Football is Our Life

The only way to get your husband to go to the grocery store is to. . .

2012-01-29T17:50:00.001-06:00

BRING THE COUPONS!

We started back couponing at the Dees' household this Sunday afternoon. I worked on setting up my coupon binder complete with my baseball card plastic inserts. And I am not ashamed to take my binder with me because COUPONS are like MONEY!

We decided after some research to go to Madison because Kroger was having a pretty good sale and I could pick up a few things from Walgreens. Plus, hit up CVS.

If you didn't know, Kroger doubles coupons up to 55 cents. They were also having a buy selected 10 items and save $5. I guess one of our proudest purchases of the day was the Ragu Pasta Sauce. One sale for $1.59 + 50 cent off coupon + 50 cent off bonus = .59! Some .60 sent French's mustard. We ended up sending $19.83 in manufaturers coupons, $7.70 in bonus coupons and $33.94 in Kroger plus savings.

We did purchase some things that were on sale but no coupons. Still had a bunch of groceries for $75.00.

I finally figured out how the EXTREME Couponers get free toliet paper. I purchased some body wash and a few other items at Walgreens. With the purchase of these products, I got what they call "Extra Rewards" that can be used on your next purchase.

I took the "Extra Rewards" and put it toward a really good TP deal. Charmin 6 double rolls $2.99 - 25 cent coupon. Everything was basically free!!!!

At CVS, I picked up my Pantene and one of our favorite snacks -- Chex Mix. With my coupons and the sale, we paid $1.25 a bag.

Update: Granny's at home

2012-01-18T10:04:00.002-06:00

My granny came home on Monday and all her test were good. Going to try and check in on her and my grandpa today.
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

Prayers would be great!

2012-01-15T18:18:00.001-06:00

My grandma, who is 80 years young, had a mini stroke Saturday morning and my parents took her to the er in Vicksburg (that's about 45 miles away from rolling fork). It affected her speech some but she's doing better. She's still in the hospital to be monitored and for tests. I'm going to try and see her Wednesday.
Also, my grandpa, who is 92, and can't see well is managing fine being alone at the house but it still worries me. My parents only live a mile away.
Any prayers you want to send out way would be great!

I can hardly believe it....

2012-01-04T14:28:00.002-06:00

Next year "my babies" will graduate. These are the first group of seventh grade football players Paul had at Ethel. Half of them were managers on the high school team them. Over time, they've dwindled down.
However one remains -- senior qb Bobby Potts.
He's followed me around on the sidelines with the goofy grin and a towel around his neck. Of course we would talk and that continues today. Don't get me wrong, I love all of them but some times a bond is stronger than than the rest.
Bobby was looking over photos I had take over the last 5 years and he said "I can't believe that's me." and "I feel like I'm getting ready to leave my family."
I'd already started to tear up remembering that jr. High kid that brought a few photos and other personal items to the field house to set up his coaching desk. My how time flies and how things change.

Loving my kindle

2011-12-31T21:25:00.001-06:00

This summer I said I would probably like a kindle and I got one for Christmas. I am such a nerd that I've been downloading classics for free.

So long 2011...hello 2012...

2011-12-31T20:26:00.000-06:00

Most of you know that since September, I've been battle one kind of an illness after another. So, I'm ready for this year to be over with.

It's also made me appreciate a lot of things in my life:
-- My husband who has listened to me cry and freak out and want to pull my hair out. He must love me.
-- All the people out there who have prayed for me or sent me messages. I'm glad to know that I have made good friends over the last four years since we moved to Kosciusko and of course, all my friends from places far and wide.
-- My mom and dad. They would do anything for me as parents should!
--I've learned that my house doesn't have to be clean and I don't have to have make up on everytime I leave the house. I have to do what I have time to do.
-- My health -- I have to be a healthier person -- take vitamins, exercise, no stress, eat balanced diet. Sure, I'll probably get sick from time to time but at least I can fight the battle.
--The things our side business allows us to do -- travel, etc.

I am definately ready for the new year. :)

I sure am going to miss my boys!

2011-12-31T20:10:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind on this one. This year, the booster club decided to do a fall sports banquet and a spring sports banquet.

They were in the 8th grade when we moved here and well they've grown on me through the years. I can't believe their seniors and they won't ge tout there when I take photos in August. They are really a great group of young men and I know they are going to do great things in the future.

Coach Wood, Coach Parish, Corey Mac, JerMich, D.W., Coach Dees, Steen, M.J. aka Predator, Brento and Coach Dillinger.

Lisa's Christmas present

2011-12-28T13:30:00.002-06:00

My sister told me she got me an extra christmas gift so would I take some preggo photos of her and Bryan.

They turned out really good. She and Paul have been telling me how I need to start taking them professionally.

So if you are interested in me taking photos of you and your family, let me know.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:03:00.001-06:00

We are very blessed to be able to see almost all our family at Christmas this year. Unfortunately I didnt get any photos from my grandparents because I was to busy passing out gifts
Here are some photos from Christmas eve and Christmas day in rolling fork

Disney at Christmas

2011-12-21T13:37:00.001-06:00

These are all from magic kingdom.

Still got this sinus crap but I'm at the happiest place on earth!

2011-12-19T20:53:00.001-06:00

My string of illnesses continues but at least I know what it is now. Two types of bacteria in my nose and I just got over a urinary tract infection.
Paul and I are celebrating our 7th anniversary in Orlando just as we did on our honeymoon in 2004.
It's our place!

Pray I'm well by Christmas eve!

A little thanksgiving

2011-11-30T19:11:00.001-06:00

I've been sick with a viral common cold for about two weeks and let me just say "it sucks." I'm 33 years old and I've never had one. Luckily I was able to spend thanksgiving with my Newman family in valley park.
Next year huck and Audrey grace will have a new cousin to play with because I'm going to be an aunt in march!

Another 5 things I'm thankful for

2011-11-21T19:38:00.001-06:00

16. Not having to worry about money. I always use to worry about that when i was growing up.
17. My Newman cousins. They are the biggest group of distinct personalities.
18. Simple things. Clean sheets. Fuzzy socks. Homemade goodies.
19. Chocolate. Any and all kinds.
20. Books - they are the greatest source of knowledge, imagination and power to think outside of the box.

And I'm thankful for...

2011-11-12T04:15:00.001-06:00

11. My children. They aren't really mine but its such a privilege to be "mom" to the 40-plus football players. The hugs and smiles and laughter are worth all the brownies I bake during football.
12. Our silly pets. We have three -- two cats and a dog. The furry babies love is unconditional.
13. Traveling. Growing up we only took two family vacations. It's important to have time away and I'm glad that we are able.
14. My former co-workers at the commercial dispatch. It was an ever changing group but so much fun. I'm glad to say that I can still call yall my friends. Yall taught me a lot.
15. All the coaches' wives that have become my instant friends. It's a great support system especially when at sometimes during the year your husband is with the coaching staff more than he is with you.

posted from Bloggeroid

What I'm thankful for...top 10

2011-11-09T08:07:00.001-06:00

1. God. Cause without faith in him I don't know where I would be.
2. My husband who is my best friend.
3. My mom and dad. Not everyone gets both parents these days.
4. My little sister. She's enough not like me and yet the same too.
5. Ability to pay bills and have a roof over our heads.
6. My job. Though trying at times, I know that not everyone has one. It can be a lot of fun.
7. Lifelong friends that I don't talk to often but when I do, its like it was yesterday.
8. Growing up in a small town. It sheltered me from a lot of things people have to deal with these days. Also everyone knows your name.
9. My grandparents. Just because they taught me through their life experiences. Good and bad.
10. My almost grandparents -- uncle Horace and aunt Florence. They treat everyone like family. I'm just glad they are actually in mine.

posted from Bloggeroid

Seniors Last Game

2011-10-29T18:38:00.001-05:00

It's hard to put into words how much I'm going to miss this bunch guys! What a group of hard-working, and as Paul would say "Good Character Kids." I know they are going on to do great things. I'm so proud of these young men.

Our Senior Captains -- D Dub, MJ, Steen, Corey Mac, Garrett and Brento. Apparently I cut off JerMich. Oops.

Paul talking to the Seniors after the game.

Seniors "breaking it down" one last time.

I always say being a coachswife is like ....

2011-10-29T15:39:00.001-05:00

Being a politician's wife....most of the time you smile and nod and make small talk.
However sometimes enough is enough.
So I will start with this ...my husband is the best person I know. He deals with more bull crap and headaches of teenage angst and parents complaining.
There are a few things I want to address:
To the fans who think eating at the rustic kitchen is the reason we lose the game. That is the most absurd think I've heard lately. They eat thriree chicken strips, potatoes and a roll or spaghetti or hamburger steak. They aren't eating steak or a seafood buffet. They ate from burger king three time this year as well.
The annual stew sale. We've been every year and I've taken off work to make deliveries. This year we didn't. and now we are just horrible. Here is my problem. I really don't enjoy people being nice to our face and then stabbing us in the back.
Paul works on football from the time he wakes up until the time he goes to sleep if he goes to sleep.
He continuely is a positive influence on those children's lives. To those that don't have fathers around. He's their father. They have team devotionals on game fridays and probably more concerned with kids grades then their own parent (some of them).
So we didn't win a lot on a year full of injuries and sickness. Small teams don't leave room for many backups. Our team record isn't a reflection of how hard the players and coaches work .during the season.

posted from Bloggeroid

Rest of the test came back all good.

2011-10-29T15:06:00.001-05:00

Got the blood cultures back on the mycoplasma and I was free of mycoplasma. The other culture said I had had it before. Called Friday and got the rest of the results everything was good. Mow I'm being treated for allergies.

posted from Bloggeroid

So here's what's been going on...

2011-10-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

This I promise will be the short version. I tested positive for mycoplasma bacteria/walking pneumonia on Sept. 6 and then I string of unfortunate events including not strong enough antibiotics and a lot of freaking out. And messing up my labs. On September 26, I made an appointment with my dad's ENT doctor in Vicksburg.

Two weeks of Cipro and by the way, you don't ever want to take Cipro. Lots of really bad side effects.

Then a week off meds, then return to V'burg for a CT scan of my sinus and two doctor's appointments -- one with an ENT and one with infectious disease doctor.

CT was fine with no blockages. The blood cultures have to "grow" for 6 days before they will know if I still am carrying the mycoplasma bacteria.

So, for now I'm fine. Hopefully, I will continue to be that way.

Leslie

Stew sale time.

2011-10-13T13:42:00.000-05:00

Awesome movie!

2011-10-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

Paul and I rented this movie off of Dish over the weekend. It was really good! 5th Quarter, based on a true story! I will be catching up on my blog about football and what's been going on in our world soon.

Homecoming snapshots

2011-09-20T20:13:00.000-05:00

So from the top: Brittany got homecoming queen; Sweet little Ava Bell was the flower bearer; Adam didn't get to play because his knee brace but he'll be back next week; Neat little pick of the lineup; and my boy Potsy. We didn't win but the effort was definitely there!

Happy birthday to you

2011-09-18T07:43:00.001-05:00

Paul's birthday was September 12 and it was also the third time I went to the doctor for this allegry/sinus mess. It's needless to say that I didn't bake a cake. Here is what he did get...

posted from Bloggeroid

First Division Game

2011-09-10T16:41:00.001-05:00

Michael Erving carries the ball against West Lowndes. Thought this was the best photo I took all night.

QB Bobby Potts scrambles for some yardage.

Michael Johnson playing like a wild man.

Well, the final score was 42-22 with West Lowndes coming out on top. To many turnovers killed us along with a few questionable calls. Next week is homecoming so we gotta get better and well fast.

I'm still not a 100 percent back from this mycoplasma infection. Paul is well, I think. I have to get well. I don't know the last time I've felt so yuckie! No fever since Thursday. Just weak and achy with a little sinus junk mixed in.

Football Thursday -- One of my fav football films...

2011-09-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

Is "Remember the Titans!" The biggest message to me from the film, which chronicles the integration of a public high school and football team, is that their is no color in "TEAM!"

Football is the most integrated male sport at Ethel High School and for those that don't know the make up of our school it is 60 percent white, 40 black. I tell you all this because I see a group on young men on Saturday night after Dees Antique Auction. They were laughing and talking about things they've done together and well, the things that teenagers talk about it.

Two of them are white and three of them are black. I am sure without football they would still be friends they would be but football binds them together.

I bring all this up for the simple fact as this -- I sit in the Attala County School Board meetings every month and listen to the same thing over and over -- The white people of Ethel this and the white people of Ethel that. We are the PEOPLE of ETHEL PERIOD! The white or black, we all, care about the school.

It is disheartening that in 2011, race is still so much of an issue especially over at McAdams, when compared to our school.

Now that I'm off my soap box! Let's get ready for some Friday night high school football action. Hopefully, I will get to go with my mycoplasma and all. Paul's better today but I went back to the doctor today and got my meds upped and a shot!

Good LUCK, TIGERS!

Ethel comes out on top of the Battle of Attala County

2011-09-06T19:55:00.000-05:00

We played a little flat the first half but we came back with a vengence to win 40-22 over county rival McAdams. And to the unsung heros of the offensive line -- I salute you. Without you our running backs wouldn't get in the enzone.

Paul is still battling his infection from last week plus now we both have mycoplasma bacteria -- it causes walking pnuemonia. UGH!

Game song of the week!

2011-09-01T15:44:00.000-05:00

We play McAdams, our county rival this week, so I thought this was fitting. Go TIGERS!

When coach gets sick....

2011-08-31T13:34:00.002-05:00

Well, he never gets sick! However, he's been running a little bit of fever in the afternoons after football practice and it's gotten increasingly worse.

Since we didn't know what was wrong, Paul and I went to the Trace and he was diagnosed with a bacterial urinary tract infection. He missed work Monday and went to practice only yesterday and today he went to school a half day. The antibiotic is working but its making him a bit sick at his stomach.

He's had a much more severe case of this about 11 years ago. I'm just glad we caught it early this time.

We play McAdams this week and it's a county-rivalry showdown too.

Prayers would be greatly appreciated! :)

Week 2 Snapshots

2011-08-28T08:24:00.000-05:00

I guess I was pre-occupied and this are the best of the best that I took from Friday night. Next Friday, we play McAdams (the other county high school) and I will hopefully take more!

And sometimes you have to look at the big picture

2011-08-27T10:25:00.000-05:00

I got on the field early Friday night. I couldn't take it. I needed to walk off the nervous energy after all we were playing the South Pontotoc Cougars.

Our stat guy, Charles Fancher, asked me if I was "Okay." I guess I looked a little white faced. "Yes, I'm fine. I'll be okay," I told him. "It's a just a lot to take in. I love Coach Chism and Denise but it's just to much to take in." And my eyes welled up with tears.

Then the clock started and y'all played ball. I've never seen y'all play like that. Every ounce of effort. Never quit. I've only seen one Ethel team play like that and the seniors were in jr. high. Potts was standing on the sideline as manager in the 7th grade.

I could not be more proud of y'all. I know y'all wanted to win for your coach and let me tell you, it was an awesome effort.

Friday morning, I didn't pray for a win (I figured that would be just me wanting revenge and that's wrong). I prayed for no injuries, for Paul not to get strung out and for us to show that we could play football. Everything I prayed for came true.

Moving here will always be one of the greatest changes in our lives. He was going to get that Sebastopol head football job (we were told later after he didn't go to the job interview and he could have been worked at Ridgeland High School) and we picked you.

I win would have been great but the bigger picture is that we are changed by you and for the better. And I know Coach has changed you. So no matter where you go and no matter what you do, Coach and I will always be here. We love y'all so much!

There were three young men, long past their playing days (I'm guessing they are about 25), standing on the fence cheering on the Ethel Tigers and dressed in black because Coach Dees coached them at South Pontotoc from the 7th grade all the way through their senior year. Some bonds can't be broken.

Now let's get ready to take the Attala County Champion title back to Ethel!

Four years ago...

2011-08-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

Paul and I moved back to the place he called home and that was now "our home." And it wasn't by our choice and it was basically because God had a plan.

He coached for 10 years at South Pontotoc and over that 10 years, he went on multiple job interviews at big schools and nothing. Then after finishing his 10th season with 5-5 and a post-season loss, we felt pretty good. The next year looked even brighter...February came and a witch-hunt by school board members ensued.

It dragged on until June. Multiply job interviews and each turned into a closed door. Then, he and his long-time friend, Junior Graham, were talking on the phone about Ethel's head job and Junior said you are going to get the job. I know it.

So we drove to Ethel and I stayed at his parents' house and waited and waited. We met him in town and he said to me, "I was told we are going to be very happy." Paul then called his friend, Kenny, at Ridgeland and then canceled his interview at Sebastopol for the following day.

From that point on everything fell into place, renting our house in Pontotoc, finding a house in Kosciusko, me getting a job and Paul finally got to come home and coach at the one place he always wanted to.

When he first graduated from college, all he wanted to do was come home and coach at Ethel. His friends got to come home and work nearby. He will also tell you that going to South Pontotoc, saved his life and brought him to a relationship with God. We have some great and wonderful friends. We miss them so very much.

But the greatest joy in our lives is the football players at Ethel High School. Cause if different things had happened and we had gone on to Sebastopol, there wouldn't know have been an Aaron Blaine, Jarrett Smith or Jamerious Beck; no "Smiley" and no Matt Morgan; a Hunter Dempsey, Keith Colllins and Dustin Wood or even a Dylan Simmions and Nick Winters. You get my point.

I know he touched their lives because they have certainly touched ours.

Win or lose against South Pontotoc tonight, I will still believe in "Vegas and Black" and "I bleed Black & Gold," and this is where we are suppose to be.

Football Thursday -- Song Choice #2

2011-08-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

Van Halen's "Right Now." Maybe I"m "old" but it's a great song for football pregame. Happy High School Football Eve.

V-I-C-T-O-R-Y: Ethel 29, West Lincoln 20

2011-08-22T12:26:00.000-05:00

Brent Simmons & Co.

Antez Hopkins

Antez, Colby Mac and D.W.

Bobby Potts completes a pass to Ryan McKinley.

We were very proud for the win over West Lincoln (Brookhaven) on Friday with a score of 29-20. I think the players were happy with the win as well but wanted to play better. And better they must play this coming week when we take on the South Pontotoc Cougars.

In case, you don't know -- Paul was the head coach of the Cougars for 9 years and an assistant for one year prior to becoming the head coach. Also, Roger Chism is now the head coach. He was Paul's right hand man and one of our dear friends.

I know the kids are going to get up to play for this game. I'm going to be on "pins and needles all week."

I look forward to seeing lots of old friends and some of his former players!

I've been hearing that at least three former South Pontotoc players will be dressed in Black and Gold and sitting with the Ethel fans!

On this first football Friday...

2011-08-19T11:19:00.000-05:00

A local business purchased an ad in our Ethel football program and added this Bible verse. I thought what an awesome verse and how it could relate to the gridiron. Happy Football Friday!

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

My favorite football song....

2011-08-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

Not the typical pick for some but one of my favorite pregame songs!

How I spent my weekend...

2011-08-17T11:02:00.000-05:00

Working on the Ethel football program Friday night, Saturday morning and all day Sunday! I have access to the software and since it will save the football team at least $1,000, it's my annual contribution to the football team. Well, that and 30 dozen brownies and/or cookies.

It's not big secret...

2011-08-15T21:10:00.000-05:00

I've always been the "big girl" and even now looking back on it I really wasn't a "big girl" until 2008 but needless to day my weight has always been an issue. It's too bad when I was in high school and thought I was a COW that I wasn't. I just happened to be taller and bigger boned.

I can remember weighing myself at 10 years old about 4'10 and thinking that 90 lbs. was too big and I needed to go on a diet. I don't remember anyone telling me that I needed to go on a diet. However, I do remember the "diet" gum I chewed at my grandmother's house.

And remember being told to "hold my stomach in" though really and truly,

I didn't have a much of one to hold in. Who says that to a child?

Now, at 33 years old, I am at my heaviest and after being on vacation and having some time to think, I knew I had to do something. Within a week of coming home, Paul got an email from Ethel High School secretary Dawn Bouchillon about a weightloss powder mix and pill called Plexxus Slim. I read about it and having used and abused my metabolism and tried ever plan known to man. I figured why not try it. It's all natural and it helps to supress your appetite.

Three weeks later -- 6 pounds down. I'm starting my walking plan this week but so far it's been sporadic. I have more energy and my clothes are looser. I have to get the weight off for numerous reasons

but the main reason is me!

Me with my sister and dad on Father's Day this year.

December 2004. I was hardcore working out and lifting weights. Still thought I was a COW.

Before my senior year in 95. I'm the one in the floral dress and I thought I was a COW. What was I thinking?

The longest and best vacation ever!

2011-07-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Paul and I finally got to go on vacation in the middle of July for over a week. Usually we go on vacation right after he gets out of school.

We started in Destin, Fla., and spent two days having fun in the sun, eating seafood and shopping. It was good to rest.

Then, we headed to Kissimee, Fla., for a week's stay at a condo and our friends, Denise and Roger, meet up with us for several days. We have never been so many places while on vacation! It was a blast!!!!

We went back to St. Augustine and did the Trolley Tour again. This time we went and toured a San Sebastian Winery and learned about wine tasting. While the Chisms were touring the "Old Jail," we went to the General Store, where you interact with store clerks and look at all the "new" general merchandise. Below is a demonstration of a dog-powered washing machine. It's all the rage!

Paul on the "party line" getting the latest gossip in St. Augustine.

On the way back from St. Augustine, we stopped by Daytona Beach and the speedway and took some photos. We'd never been to a beach where you could drive right on it and the water was so cold.

Of course, you can't be that close to Disney and not go! We went to all four parks and get our favorite things. We went to Disney on our Honeymoon and will be going back for our 7th anniversary in December.

We did a few things at the Kennedy Space Center and we just missed the last launch by a day or so. I don't know why they didnt' wait on us! I never realized how cool astronauts were. The exhibits were neat. That's Paul and Roger above.

Paul and I ate our last meal in Orlando and Sweet Tomatoes and Soulplantation. It's an all you can eat salad, soup, potato bar with desserts. It was the freshest food I had eaten in awhile. Nothing there was fried. It was awesome! We need one of these in Mississippi.

So the littlest Chism gets hitched!

2011-06-29T11:27:00.001-05:00

We traveled to Ecru by way of Pontotoc on Saturday to see Jason and Rebecca say "I do."

It was such a sweet wedding, they even expressed in their own words how they felt about one another. They walked out of the church to "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch." It very much suits Rebecca's personality.

They left in a John Deere Tractor since Jason now works for a sod farm in the area.

This is the only photo I got! You should have seen Rebecca's blue cowboy boots! Too cute!

I have to mention that I got to see all of my FAVORITE people from South Pontotoc @ the Wedding. Miss them so much! It's not that often that you come across a group of people with the same morals/ways of life that you do. I will see them soon when they travel to Ethel for the football game this season!

High School shouldn't be the high point

2011-06-25T22:47:00.000-05:00

I think alot about today's high schoolers and where they will be in five years. Ten years. Fifteen years.

My greatest fear is that someone of them do not make the most of the opportunities laid out in front of them.

Four years ago, a fantastic athlete had the opportunity to go to Northeast CC from Ethel. They wanted him and offered him a scholarship. He was smart enough to make the grades. Alas, he refuse to leave Attala County and his baseball career was over simply because he didn't want to leave home.

As Paul told me today -- You can always come "home" but sometimes its harder to "leave home."

It's okay to leave home! It's okay to meet new people. It's okay to go out into the world and find out who you really are.

Today, I heard of another recent graduate that was suppose to be headed to college in the fall but has oped out for work. Sure the pay is good but in a world where the economy is not the greatest, blue collar jobs are the first on the chopping block.

Added into the fact that at 45 are you still going to want to be doing back breaking work when your body isn't in the best shape.

My whole point in this is simply -- When you are in your 60s and you look back on your life, high school shouldn't be the "high point" but merely a stepping stone into a whole new realm. Make the most of the present, work toward a future and when all this becomes the past smile and know you did all you could do.

For Kayla....the wedding, the wedding

2011-06-08T19:32:00.000-05:00

From the moment Kayla and Patrick got engaged, Jenny Wood and I both said "Welcome to the club -- the coaches' wives club."

Kayla has started a blog to chronicle her life and at the moment the wedding. So here's a little bit of friendly advice for the BIG DAY. And I'm sure I'll write you up something special about your new role as the wife of a coach in the months to come.

I can honestly say that my wedding wasn't planned out in my mind before Paul asked. I hadn't dreamed of the day. In fact, I thought it probably wouldn't ever happen at all -- not to Paul but to anyone.

However, the moment I called and told my mom and dad and said "We're engaged!" The wedding planning took off full steam ahead. The brunt of it was done in the summer so that Paul could be a part of some aspects before football season started.

My mom was my greatest help! She and I make list and make list and plan and plan. If you one person like that and I am sure Chelsea is that person, you will be fine.

Here's my advice:

-- The BIG DAY: Don't worry if things don't go as planned, you will be in a state of euphoria on your wedding day and it will all go by so fast!

--As far as the REGISTRY is concerned -- If you want and/or need it register for it! This is the one time in y'all lives that people will pay good money to send you a gift.

-- Thank yous for MONEY -- Thank you so much for the money. I know we will put it to good use as we set up our home together. It was so kind of you to think of us during this special time.

--Who is going to show up; Who is not? -- It's the week before Christmas, you will have all the people closest to you there and all the people that matter. Not too many but just the right amount. I can speak from experience since we got married Dec. 18. Don't sweat it!

Back to the couponing....

2011-06-04T10:35:00.000-05:00

Spent $65 and saved $30 on my shopping trip at Wal-Mart, Family Dollar and Dollar General in Kosciusko.

I've had a couple of people ask me what's my secret because they can't save that much money!

My secret is that I let everyone else do the work! There are sites out there that calculate the coupons and the price of stuff. -- http://www.krazycouponlady.com/ and http://www.couponmom.com/

Also, where I get my coupons from a monthly magazine "All of You" has at least $85 worth of coupons, The Star-Herald and Sunday Clarion-Ledger and http://www.coupons.com/

I also look at the sales papers in the newspaper and see if I just spot a deal.

I don't regularly shop at Family Dollar but I got 1.4 oz. Lady Speed Stick for 50 cents. They where 4/$5 and I had a 75 cent coupon. FD also had a 2/$5 in store coupon on 12-pack Coke products.

One of my "All of You" coupons was $1 off/2 20oz. Hunt's Ketchup. At Wal-Mart, they were $1. So I got two bottles at 50 cents each.

Gain detergent is what I usually buy. I buy the largest one @ $15. So I bought 4 of the small 32 loads of Gain @ 4.97 w/$1 off each for a total of $15.88. I can do twice as many loads of laundry with the four small bottles versus the large one. Thought that was pretty good.

Happy Couponing. :)

Brooke Ann gets hitched!

2011-06-04T10:10:00.000-05:00

Memorial Day weekend Paul and I traveled to Pontotoc to see Brooke get married. By the time, I came into Paul's life he had been in Pontotoc for almost 7 years and Roger Chism had been with him at South Pontotoc almost that long as defensive coordinator.

Roger, Denise, Brooke and Jason welcomed me into the fold with open arms.

Looking at Brooke in this photo, I see the girl who was so shy and tom boyish and how much she looks like a princess! She has the biggest heart of anyone I know and I think that is what makes her such a great teacher.

Anything I've learned about being a coach's wife, I learned from Denise. She's the BEST! I miss her every Friday night during football season. (I'll see her one Friday during football since Ethel and South Pontotoc will be playing. Roger is now the head coach. Should be interesting!)

We will be traveling to see Jason and Rebecca get married at the end of this month. I can't wait!

Congratulations Brooke & Tyson!

The Class of 2011 -- Jasmine & Price

2011-06-04T09:55:00.001-05:00

As part of my work duties at the newspaper, I have to cover some of area graduations including Ethel High School.

This year was "extra special" because my cousin-in-law Jasmine graduated. She's super smart and will be attending Millsaps next year. I'm so glad that I've gotten to know her over the past four years we've been in Kosciusko. Paul's family isn't very close so that makes it all better that Malinda, Marc, Marcus, and Jasmine have been so welcoming and treated me like family from the moment they met me.

Paul and I are so very PROUD of you, Jas! We love you very much!!!

Jasmine receiving her diploma from Principal Michael Ray

Also, my cousin, Price graduated from Heritage Academy in Columbus. He's a super young man who has had to overcome a lot of physical limitations with several surgeries to his shoulder. I am sure not being able to play sports this year was very hard on him.

It blows my mind that the little baby boy I held when I was 15/16 is sooooooooooo grown up.

We love you very much, Price! I know you are going to do great things!

Price with his brother, Dylan.

It's not that EXTREME but we saved some moo-la!

2011-05-19T18:44:00.000-05:00

After Paul and I watched TLC's "Extreme Couponing," we decided that we could do this too.
We are far from extreme but we began clipping coupons and downloading coupons and even paying a "clipping service" through Ebay to get a set of coupons.

We've got a binder full of coupons and through in-store sales, digital coupons and clipped coupons .... We saved $175! The best deal we got was the $1 Gillette Bodywash. It was on sale for $2.99 w/ a $2 coupon. Paul isn't going to need body wash for a long time! He got 9 bottles and also 4 discounted or free deodorants. I also got a great deal on Pantene Conditioner.

Every week, we The Star-Herald comes out I "tweet" a deal of the week using the sales papers and coupons. This week the deal is......drum roll....25 cent French's Worcestershire Sauce from Dollar General or French's 8 oz. Yellow Mustard $1 @ Dollar General, coupon 30 cents off; or 18-20 oz @ Walmart for $1.37 w/ 30 cent coupon.

Can you believe that Spring Football has come and gone...

2011-05-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

I can! So in the midst of Spring Football, our air conditioner went out, we had tornadoes in Attala County and no power, and I went to home to help pack up in case of flooding. I am sure there is something I'm leaving out. You get the point! CRAZY!

I can't believe that D.W., Brent, Adams, Corey Mac, M.J., JerMich, and Garrett have played their first game as seniors. Man, how times flies....seems like yesterday they were playing 8th grade football. They are a really good group of young men.

This year is going to be very emotional for Paul and me because we've grown very attached to them. Next year, is going to be even worse! Because Antez, Potts, Hunter, Justin and Moody are our "babies."

I'm so tired of natural DISASTERS!

2011-05-05T12:05:00.000-05:00

My mom has been pestering me for quite some time to come and get "my stuff" out of her house.
I think it's only fair that my childhood home contains my childhood toys and photos, etc.

Now, my mom is getting her wish thanks to the possibility of the Mississippi River flooding the South Delta and my hometown of Rolling Fork. In all actuality, where my parents' home sits and granted the back water levee holds, everything will be fine.

So just to be on the safe side, I'm going to head to Rolling Fork tomorrow and get all the things that can't be replaced -- photos, original land deeds, my wedding dress, and whatever else they want me to take.

Two sets of great aunts and uncles will be moving out of their homes this weekend. My Uncle Horace and Aunt Florence are very dear to me and live in Issaquena County. They live in my great-grandmother's home and we spend Thanksgivings and Christmases there. My dad grew up in that house.

Uncle Marion and Aunt Betty Jo are moving out of their home too. Uncle Marion just had surgery and predictions of the flooding would close two paths to Jackson. They are moving in with their son in Vicksburg.

All of this has been emotionally draining. From viewing last week's storms here and elsewhere in the state to Rolling Fork's Red Barn collapsing (I'll blog about that later) to now the flood, I think I'll just lock myself in my room and hide.

8 lift at state and two get medals

2011-04-20T13:06:00.000-05:00

It was a good day for Ethel Powerlifting. John Housmann took first in the 114 pound class and Christian Sanders took 3rd in the 308 pound class. The rest lifted their personal best or the most weight ever!

Deep Delta Festival a success!

2011-04-15T15:31:00.000-05:00

Annabelle @ her puppy, Percy. Her pup is a female.

This is Cherish's four-year-old daughter.

Part of the both. I mainly sold my Bears of Rolling Fork Poster & Note cards.

It's safe to say my posters and note cards featuring my hometown's bear statues was a hit! I sold a few other things. I can't wait until the Great Delta Bear Affair to have different note cards and posters.

I also got a new hand blown glass pendant from Cherish. It's so pretty! Check her stuff out on Facebook at Wild Magnolia's Glass. She made me a pendant that says "EHS" on it.

Kids these days worry me...

2011-04-15T03:35:00.000-05:00

I get a little frustrated at "the way things are," especially after talking with Paul last night.

I sometimes feel like I was raised in a "bubble." I had probably the most stable home environment that I could have -- Two married parents who worked hard, made me know right from wrong, taught me about God, and made me appreciate the things that I had even though I didn't always have what I wanted.

They stressed to me getting good grades and I did. I wanted to go to college and it was expect. I completed it and there you have it.

Most of my high school friends in Sharkey and Issaquena Counties were much the same way.

Today's kids don't have it so lucky. Most have at least one parent and some have none at all. They go to school not to learn but because they have to. They don't try to make the best grades they can. They merely show up.

Student is failing tech. discovery with a 40 and his teacher says he won't do his work.

Do you know what would have happened to me if I can home with a failing grade on progress report? My butt would have gotten beat, I would have been grounded for a long time and I better pray I could get my grades up before report cards.

The student, unfortunately, is part of a cycle. I like to call it -- "School's not important." Parents didn't finish high school so he's probably not being taught at home that education is key to a successful life.

Sometimes, we get so caught up it numbers and state test scores that we, as a community, forget that school is for educating children to become successful adults.

Last year, I was talking to a high school junior and he told me that he doesn't know if college is for him. He's grades are okay.

I told him that's OK. What I want for you is to become a successful, responsible person. If that means you work construction or weld so be it but don't be a dead beat. Make something of your life.

The Blues & The Bears

2011-04-05T21:34:00.001-05:00

Rolling Fork, my hometown, is known as the birthplace of bluesman Muddy Waters and home of 7 chainsaw carved 10 feet tall bears in honor of Teddy Roosevelt's bear hunt in nearby Onward, MS.

With all that being said I created a Blues and Bears themed notecard set. I've also done a poster of black and white images of all but one of the Bears.

And I'm going to Rolling Fork for the Deep Delta Festival on Saturday to sell my stuff! Wish me luck!

My handbag and jewelry blog

2011-04-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

I have a booth in Dees Antique Mall with Jewelry and Handbags and such. My sister, Lisa, who lives in Madison, kept on getting compliments on the handbags she got from me so I started another BLOG! It will feature all my stock and it's a work in progress.

Check it out! http://everythingsrosie1.blogspot.com/

Who plays basketball at 9 a.m. in the morning in Jackson...

2011-03-09T10:30:00.000-06:00

The Ethel Lady Tigers -- That's who! They went to the big dance at the coliseum in Jackson only to get defeated by Coldwater in the semi-finals. We believe that they are only the second team to make it to the tourney. Still a great season!

It was worth getting up early and I got to go shopping and see Halea, Hayes and Sadie Kate and the Doty girls!

After the shopping, my husband has the great idea to go fishing @ night in Grenada. I really didn't want to go but I suffered through it. I did practice my casting. I still haven't caught a fish! He only caught one that night. Earlier in the week after his doctor's appointment, he caught a cooler full.

Powerlifting Team Runners up in District!

2011-02-16T16:49:00.000-06:00

Ethel powerlifters – Front row, left, John Housemann, Ryan Self, Antez Hopkins, Hunter Trehern, and Hunter Chisolm; second row, Christian Sanders, Zach Harper, Ty Pullen, Nick Winters, Cosie Veasley; back row, Adam Steen, Lawrence Shaffer, JerMichael Brown and Brent Simmons.

Eleven out of 12 lifters qualified for South State. That will be in a few weeks. And they came in runner up in the District. They lost of a tie breaker! This is the only the third powerlifting team at EHS.

There are some advantages to having a Valentine's Day Birthday

2011-02-16T15:13:00.000-06:00

As if getting snow days prior to your birthday wasn't good enough, Paul and I traveled to Rolling Fork for the 33rd celebration of my life. My sister, Lisa, wanted me to open my presents as soon as I got there. Daddy took us all out for lunch at the Highway 61 Cafe. We had an appetizer of fried hot tamales. They were really good!

Lisa and Mama looking over the menu.

The cafe is in the building that once housed The Deer Creek Pilot and

the Line-o-Type is still in the there. Had to take a photo.

Daddy and Mama cooked my birthday dinner of steak, potato and salad! Lisa and I had our silly giggle time. What I said wasn't that funny but some how we got to laughing and couldn't stop! Paul thinks we are nuts.

We were about to go to sleep when my mom told me a relative had passed away suddenly. This kinda upset me. He wasn't much older than my dad and my cousins are right around my age. I was able to see them Sunday before we headed home. I made red velvet cupcakes for the office to cheer myself up. Everyone should have a little happy on Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Day/Birthday Morning I found these pretty roses in my car. I knew Paul put something in my car because I heard him come back to the house. Then, at lunch, I had to go to Dees Antique Mall to get a gift and I found a wrapped box from Pattersons Jewelers. It was mine. I didn't open it until that night when I got home from work.

This is the piece of Deep South Pottery I got for my birthday. I'm ready for tailgating now!

I had to cover a school board meeting @ 6 p.m. but decided I wasn't going and when I told Paul that he says -- "You just ruin everything!" He had planned to surprise me by cooking supper. So I helped and it was very sweet of him.

And the advantage of having a Valentine's Birthday is this -- You get twice the gifts! :)

Snow Day!

2011-02-16T13:53:00.000-06:00

Inside my car when I left Wednesday, Feb. 9, just before 5 p.m.

Outside our front window

Our House.

And down the street.

It never snows a lot in Rolling Fork and it never snowed in Pontotoc or Columbus or any other places I've lived. My senior year of college there was 10 inches of snow in Starkville. So this 4 inches of snow we got Thursday, Feb. 10, was a big deal to me.

It was so powdery that I couldn't make a snowman but I did hit Paul with a snowball and he hit me with one in the ear!

It was nice while it lasted....

Here fishy, fishy....

2011-02-16T11:13:00.000-06:00

The week Paul got diagnosed with "the sugar" or diabetes or as he calls it "the disease," we thought we would start doing more outdoor activities. Off we went to Grenada and after we got my license and pink fishing pole, we only caught ONE CATFISH!

We did have a good time though.

And, he's doing fine with taking his meds, eating a balanced diet and walking five times a week! I've been doing the same too, except for the medicine!

Mmmmmmmmm good!

2011-01-27T12:57:00.001-06:00

Paul was going to a coaching clinic. So, I traveled to Rolling Fork on Saturday morning to spend the night with my mommy and daddy. Mom and I went to Lake Village, Ark., to Paul Michael's. And, man, did I spend some money! Bad stuff happens when I go there. At least it's once a year.

Daddy took us out to The Onward Store for steak and seafood. It's a convenience store in the town where Teddy Roosevelt didn't shoot the bear on a hunt. Really good food and I got to see Waye, Katie, Don and Harlie Beth -- My step-cousins whom I claim. :)

Then, Mama and I made Congo Bars. My Mimi always made them and we got out her wooden recipe box and started making them only to find out that we were out of milk. A flying trip to Dollar General at 8 at night and with milk in hand, we finished them.

They were delicious.

Recipe Box

Missing ingredient

It only calls for a pound of brown sugar

They smell delicious

Best served with cold milk!

Great News!

2011-01-21T15:20:00.000-06:00

One of my former professors at MSU and her husband have been trying to adopt a an international child and today they finally got great news that their journey is almost complete. Check out their blog. http://newbrownchild.blogspot.com/

An Oldie, But a Goodie

2011-01-20T15:13:00.001-06:00

Several weeks ago, Paul found his Ethel Senior Football photo among the photos left from longtime EHS basketball Coach Ira Jones' office. Coach Jones meant a lot to Paul and was his 7-8th grade football coach. This was the only football photo Coach Jones had in his office. He said they were his "special bunch." Paul's a coach because of Coach Jones. This was one of the most successful football teams EHS ever had. FYI -- Paul is #75.

Ringing in the New Year in a Sea of Maroon & a BIG WIN!

2011-01-02T18:49:00.000-06:00

After breakfast, we headed over to the stadium, where we attended the alumni tailgate and attempted to watch the Dawg Walk. However, after standing there for what seemed like an hour, we found out that they were just going to drive the buses into the stadium for safety reasons.

Cow Bells rang loudly everywhere we went!

One of the buses with players entering the stadium.

We didn't know what to expect about our tickets or going to a professional stadium. We had tickets in the Touchdown Club Area for the Jacksonville Jaguars. One section up from the field. There was a bathroom attendant in the women's bathroom handing out paper towels after you washed your hands.

The lobby area.

VICTORY for the BULLDOGS!

What a great Christmas gift for me and Paul! :)

Local joints to eat @....

2011-01-02T18:37:00.001-06:00

Paul and I are addicted to the Travel Channel's Man Vs. Food. So with that in mind we wanted to eat at some local places in Jacksonville.

We dined at Sand Dollar Restaurant on the St. John's River and the food was excellent. I had stuffed butterflied shrimp with crab meat in a white wine sauce with a side of veggies. Paul had the grouper with crab stuffing. It was FABULOUS!

New Year's Eve we met up with some friends at Clark's Fish Camp. It was decorated so neat. I wish I had more photos of the preserved animals and all the lights. The atmosphere is great.
I had stuffed Flounder and Paul had Maui Maui and a side of shrimp. Food was good. The atmosphere was better.

Paul ordered a wild game appetizer of rabbit sausage and it was DISGUSTING! Others ordered Gator Sausage, Calamari and Ostrich. We recommend the Ostrich.

New Year's Day we ate breakfast at the Metro Diner. Paul had the pound cake french toast with a side of bacon and I had the Mom's 3 egg omelet with feta, chicken, asparagus and topped with hollandaise sauce. It came with whole wheat toast. It was a cute small building that was bustling with activity. They serve breakfast and lunch. It was featured on the Food Channel's Diners and Dives.

Hope you enjoyed this edition of Coach and Wife Vs. Food. :)

I'll show you the Fountain of Youth.....

2011-01-02T18:08:00.000-06:00

We spent two half days at St. Augustine on a Trolley Tour.

Day 1 was spent at the Oldest Wooden School House, Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum (pretty interesting oddities), and we had a late lunch there. I can't leave out the Fountain of Youth where we saw a cannon firing.

School house

The "magic" water.

Today the foutain is more of a well. They had a replica of what it once looked like. The water had a lot of minerals and it was NASTY! And I still have gray hair!

Day two was spent touring the Old Jail and the St. Augustine Heritage Museum and we rode the trolley around to 22 spots. Lots of History there. We want to go back and visit and do more of the museums and such another time.

Our Christmas Present to one another.....Bowl game tickets.

2011-01-02T17:57:00.000-06:00

We just knew that the Bulldogs were going to the Peach Bowl in ATL but all of the sudden that changed and MSU was chosen to play in the Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Fla. It took a little convincing but finally Paul said he would go and we got some awesome tickets to the game via Ebay!

We left on Wednesday before the game and on the way down Paul tells me there is an outlet mall in St. Augstine, Fla. nearby. It had an Under Armour store and he wanted to go.

I said isn't that the Oldest City in the U.S.? Isn't that where the Fountain of Youth is at? A short Google search on my phone and I found out about all the sites in St. Augustine.

Christmas Outings

2011-01-02T17:49:00.000-06:00

This year wasn't our typical Christmas gatherings. It usually goes like this sometime before Christmas Eve we got Memphis to see my Mimi, Christine, Angela and Michael, Christmas Eve lunch at my Grandma and Grandpa's house, communion service at Rolling Fork United Methodist Church, appetizers with the parents and sister and brother-in-law and then Christmas morning @ parents house followed by a Newman lunch gathering in Valley Park. Then, we head home for Christmas dinner and presents with Paul's Mom and Dad.

Well, we missed Valley Park because they did it a week early and that meant Mama and I had to cook lunch. Really she did most of it and Lisa and Brian went to Hollandale. OH and I was told the wrong date about going to Memphis so that threw a kink into some plans too.

Lucky for us my mom is a super cook!

I did a really bad job with photos this year so this is all I have from Christmas.

Dressing, Swiss Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Potatoes, Butter Beans and Orange Salad.

Can't forget the Cranberry Sauce and Homemade Bread. There, of course was turkey and chicken and dumplings.

Grant lacing up his new hunting boots. We wer down a twin at Grandma's because Glyn was sick. He and Glynda didn't get to come. We missed them.

My dad and Robbie.

The Pumpkin Patch Scrapbook....

2010-12-27T19:24:00.000-06:00

Every year for Christmas my parents get a Farmer Jim's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Scrapbook. I got my new cricut (It cuts vinyl. It's very exciting trust me.) and all my stuff out. And I come home early from work. Make some coffee and do one page and have to take a nap! It did get done on time. And they were very happy with it.

Hayden's big day as an All-Star

2010-12-27T16:35:00.000-06:00

We traveled to Gulfport to watch Hayden in the Bernard Blackwell All-Star Classic. He was serving as a manager for the South Team. He had a blast. I know it was a great experience for him.

Hayden in a photo featured in The Star-Herald

Hayden @ The game.

Sadie Kate saying "No I will not come to you, Cookie Man or you, Aunt Leslie. Little Stinker!

The Jim, Jenny, Halea, Hayes and Sadie Kate Wood came along too. It's always fun to hang out with them. They got to stay on the beach....Sadie Kate said "Aunt Leslie will never see it." and she was right. Also, Cookie Man "aka Paul" brought her some sugar cookies. She was so happy.

Oh and as a side note – Paul and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on Saturday, Dec. 18! He's a keeper!

Oh how I love Christmas stuff!

2010-12-09T15:25:00.000-06:00

I finally finished decorating Wednesday night. The tree has been up and decorated. However my door garland and my santa hadn't been put out.

Got my snow babies on the mantel and my other items scattered about. Christmas is my favorite holiday with Valentine's Day (my birthday) being second. I love to give presents and most of the time I want to give them as soon as I buy them. I just love watching people react to their gifts.

Paul's classroom tree that didn't make it there this year.

The door garland -- it needs some lights or something. Maybe next year.

Metal Santa my mom bought me at the Great Delta Bear Affair.

The tree all lit up!

Our Disney Football Ornament. I try to get a Mickey Ear Ornament each time we go to Disney.

Elvis ornament I got when Paul took me to Graceland while we were dating.

And well it's been over for awhile....

2010-12-08T14:53:00.000-06:00

Football that is and then we go into hibernation mode.

And just like every two years, we wait for the redistricting to see who are region foes will be. The last time we were redistricted to "The Delta" or as the folks around here call it -- The scary place where the people of color live. We won the appeal and were placed back in our old region.

This year things got a little bit more moved around so our region foes will be West Lowndes, East and West Oktibbeha, Noxapater, Nanih Wayia, Pelahatchie, Sebatopol, Weir, and our non-region foes will be McAdams, West Lincoln and South Pontotoc.

Fans make complain about having to travel a bit but at least you didn't go to "THE DELTA."

Since I'm from the Delta, I will save that rant for another day.

Our Second Win of the Year!

2010-11-04T15:20:00.000-05:00

It was actually football weather and we came home with a VICTORY!

It was a good weekend all around for the Ethel Tigers, the MSU Bulldogs and the N.O. Saints. I'll write more later.....

Senior Night.....

2010-10-31T17:59:00.000-05:00

All Senior Football Players, Cheerleaders and Band Members were recognized before the start of the game. The football players got autographed footballs signed by the team and they had cake during their pre-game meal. The best part of the night was that we did have some success throwing the football for touchdowns with QB Bobby Potts. 4 TDs on passes. I was one proud mom eventhough we lost. We seem to be getting better as the year had gone on.
I wasn't as sad as I thought I would be but at our final game I will be sad for sure as the seniors play their final game of the season.

The rest of October has been busy busy busy!

2010-10-31T17:50:00.000-05:00

I've been helping with my parents' pumpkin patch on a few weekends and two days last week. I help with the school groups, picking pumpkins and what not. It's really fun. Plus, you get to hang out with some great kiddos. They are always excited about finding their pumpkin out of the patch.

We also grow different varieties of pumpkins and an assortment of gourds. Check us out next year. We have a facebook page -- Farmer Jim's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze and a website http://www.farmerjimspumpkinpatch.com/.

We played McAdams, our county rival, in what I will call the "Dust Bowl." We haven't had any rain and their field was a mess. So as the boys were running up and down the field they kicked up dust. I was still recovering from my bacterial infection and all the dust was making me cough. It was not our finest hour on the football field. We got beat and we did play better the second half.

Oh and there were stew benefiting all sports.....

I've been told that this might be the last Ethel Athletict Booster Club Stew. It sure is good. 140 gallons sold. It benefits all sports.

Season comes to an end for EHS slow pitch softball but what a season!

2010-10-10T10:21:00.001-05:00

The EHS softball team finished post-season play at West Lincoln on Saturday during the second round of the playoffs. The were undefeated in district and No. 1 in District!
Congrats on a great season girls!

Bad Friday all the way around

2010-10-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

I just thought I had a cold and since it was Game Day and I was headed to Farmer Jim's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze to see my parents in Rolling Fork Saturday, I went to the doctor.

Well, it wasn't just a cold! I test positive for mycoplasma bacteria (that causes walking pneumonia) and it was all in my nose and throat.

I was determined to go to the ball game but since I was contagious and had to drive a good way, several people including Paul and my mom told me to stay at home.

I haven't missed a game since Paul and I were engaged that's at least 6 football seasons ago. It just killed me not going but I was able to get the score updates via text messaging.

We got beat 51-6 by West Oktibbeha and apparently, they have a QB that has a cannon for an arm and a receiving core that is the best we have seen.

Of course, I had to know all the details sick or not so we stayed up late talking once Paul got home.

I asked him what he said to the kids before the game and he said "I told them to play hard and that I loved them." And for the first time, the team told him -- "Love you to coach."

Even in defeat that has to make you smile. :)

New field house is looking promising

2010-10-07T11:51:00.001-05:00

Story I wrote for The Star-Herald.

KOSCIUSKO — Concerned Ethel High School football parents gathered at the Attala County Chancery Building to address the need for a new field house for football, baseball and softball during the Attala County School Board meeting Monday night.

The board voted to have the asbestos checked in the current athletic field house as well as two houses on McAdams High School campus, to hire an architect and advertise for bids on a facility.

Christie Moody, a football parent and registered nurse, told the board there were two definite issues with facility – structural issues and health concerns.

Moody passed around pictures of the inside and outside of the structure showing damages and disrepair.

“The junior high football team dressed out for practice and after they left, part of the ceiling fell,” she said. “Thankfully, they weren’t in there so no one got hurt.”

“It’s awful. We can go to away games and have better facilities to use than what we have at home.”

She added that there isn’t a place for the athletes to shower after ball games if they needed and the floor is rotten in front of the urinals.

“They have to watch where they step so they don’t fall through the floor,” she said.

Numerous athletes over the years have gotten Staphylococcus or Staph infections through direct contact with the field house.

“Staph is a bad cookie,” Moody said.

Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the body.

The bacteria can live on a non-living thing for up to three days, Moody said.

“This building is wood,” she said. “It’s dark. It’s damp. It’s rotten. It’s porous. It can live longer in that wood than three days.”

“The infection has to be treated with specific antibiotics and if not treated it can kill you,” she said. “We are allowing our children to be in harms way.”

“The best thing for that building is to bulldoze it down and never see it again,” Moody said.

Superintendent Larry Stevens agreed with Moody saying it was by far “the worst building in the district.”

“If the board votes to do that, then we will find the money somewhere,” Stevens said. “I don’t know if we can find money to build a building on the other end. That’s the next thing that’s going to come up.”

EHS head football coach Paul Dees said he knew that originally plans had been drawn to build separate facilities for football, baseball and softball but it would be more cost effective to tear the current building down and put a new one in it’s place for football and baseball and remodel the weight room for a girls softball facility.

Hard work gets you...

2010-10-07T11:33:00.000-05:00

Pizza and "Facing the Giants" on the big screen in the Ethel gym. Both the high school and jr. high football players were treated a couple of weeks ago and I forgot to post this.

I stopped by and snapped this on my camera phone.

The game against the French Campers...

2010-10-07T11:26:00.000-05:00

We got beat 34-6. It's been a tough year and we've got 5 more to go. They play hard -- really hard.

And while I was down on the sidelines with the boys, a school board member (whom I believe was trying to get votes for his upcoming election) was up in the stands and the nearby areas telling people that "we need a coaching change."

His first mistake was telling Paul's lifelong friend and then, two parents who are very supportive. Apparently the school board member even went in the press box and said as much.

Well, that's all it took for me. Those kids work to hard and their coaches just as hard. I was mad to say the least and if we hadn't been through a similar situation at a different school, I probably wouldn't have said anything to the board member.

Monday's Attala County School Board meeting comes around and the board member asks me "How am I doing?" Well, I told him. He denied saying those things several times. If you are going to say something, you better mean it and stand behind it.

Not to mention that the football players were visible upset at practice on Monday because of that crap.

I do not put up with crap like that. You don't mess with my husband, my family, my friends or those kids at Ethel High School.

A couple of weeks behind

2010-09-29T21:31:00.001-05:00

We do not lack in effort and the score might not be in our favor but we do not quit, we do not stop and we play until the final whistle blows. It's been a tough couple of weeks for my boys.

So here are the highlights.....

The lovely Anna Dotson was crowned queen before kickoff

Our Lovely Ladies all dressed up.

Savannah, Anna & Bre

Antez doing his thing.

Next up the Weir Lions

Dylan Simmons, who was injured, tackles Mojo.

Like I said before we play with all we have and all that is in us and at halftime we were down 21 to 13.

My biggest complaint is not about our team but with the fans. Instead of cheering them off the field, our fans would rather talk about what we aren't doing.

They work for hours on end in the hot sun, they lift weights, they run and we can't even muster up a little cheer. I know we can do better than that. I believe we can do better than that. Maybe one day all this will change.

Next up....FCA Panthers.

2-0 Yeah Baby! Ethel Tiger Jr. High Football

2010-09-15T15:51:00.000-05:00

Our Jr. High Team is doing really well and this was the first chance I got to see them play -- Tuesday night. Usually my job keeps me away. We beat Weir!!!!! So exciting.

Of course, I think it's cute when they play b/c some of them are little bitty.

The undefeated 7th and 8th graders are going to French Camp next Tuesday. Sadly, I will not be able to go. Good Luck Guys!

Happy Birthday Paul!

2010-09-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my husband Paul or as most people call him "Coach."

We spent most of Saturday running around Jackson doing errands for school and doing a little antique business. We had early birthday lunch at Mama Hamill's. We crashed when we got home and we slept late Sunday morning. He has gotten all his wishes -- birthday breakfast of pancakes and bacon, birthday dinner -- boiled shrimp with the fixins' and a yummy strawberry cake. I gave him Drew Brees' book and a few other happies. All in all he had a good day -- Especially since we won on Friday night.

First Win of 2010

2010-09-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

Lead rusher of the night -- Antez Hopkins. Followed by Mike Mike and Dylan Simmons.
Also Nick Winters scored a TD on a 78-yard kick off return.

All in it -- Defensive stops in the 4th quarter lead to our victory.

Our first victory came on Friday night as we traveled to Edinburg.
The final score was 13-12. This game made me a nervous wreck!

Always good to win on the weekend of Paul's birthday. It makes things a little bit better around the house.

Crazy Off Week

2010-09-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

Since Ethel wasn't playing football and for the most part no one in our division was, we had been planning to visit our friends @ South Pontotoc.
During the course of events on Friday morning, long-time assistant coach and our very good friend Roger Chism was made the head coach. YES ON FRIDAY MORNING!

I think Paul knew about it before Roger did. The whole thing is crazy but, as we well know, South Pontotoc can be unpredictable place.

We were slightly worried that people would think that Paul wanted his old job back and that is definitely not the case. He did have a few offers though.

All the kids he coached are gone, our house finally sold and I have a job. So life @ South Pontotoc is just a distant memory.

However, when you get the same coaching crew (sans Coach Waldrop, who is in California), it's like we never left. I laughed so much my jaws hurt. We were a pretty tight-knit group of coaches and coaches' wives. I miss them dearly but I know they will always be a part of our lives. We are hoping to go with the Chisms to Colorado this summer and have the Waldrops meet us.

I had planned on taking a photo of all of us together but I didn't -- guess I was taking the night off.

Next, on our agenda after going to be at 2 a.m. Saturday morning was to tailgate at MSU before the big game. It was a lot of fun but so HOT! My cupcakes melted. But we WON!

Sunday I got some sleep and we had an estate auction to work on Labor Day, where I had to set up a concession stand on the fly! That's another story.

Sometimes I wonder if we are ever going to slow down.....

I've had a lot of thoughts....

2010-08-29T18:06:00.000-05:00

while I drove to and from Rolling Fork from visiting my family.

Never miss understand me -- I want the us to win win win every time we take the field and I can tell you on Friday night after we got shut out that I wanted to cry. As bad as our boys felt on Friday night, I felt it too.

In the bigger scope of life, football is so much more than about the win and loss record. It's about changing lives -- Hardwork, determination, team work and forming bonds that will never be broken.

Last year, I wrote about fans standing at the fencing yelling at what I consider to be "my children" and you know what, I have to start considering the source and moving on. I was glad I wrote it. It has been plaguing me and I felt it was something I had to do. This year, is a new leaf.

Case in point: I hear that a father of one of the players said he didn't know why our coaches were wearing head sets because it wasn't helping us. I just shake my head and smile and remember that some people simply don't understand the game of football very well.

We have two weeks to get better for Edinburgh and the season is still young. Who knows what the future holds!?

Game 1: Pisgah 47, Ethel 30

2010-08-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

Friday night was in a word -- HOT! I have never been at a game where it was so humid.

I was so proud of our boys -- At the half it was 28 to 6, Pisgah and we came back in the second half and started climbing the hill again. It was a spark! It was great! They continued to fight and that hasn't happened in a quite a while.

QB Bobby Potts made a heck of a pass and that totally made up for the broken play where he threw the ball up and right into the hands of a Pisgah Dragon. We still love you, Bobby.

First Division game is Friday @ home against Noxapater.

Senior Nick Winters

Sophomore Antez Hopkins

Senior Dylan Simmons

Buy a shirt and help my friends out.

2010-08-21T16:47:00.001-05:00

Several months ago, my friend and co-worker, Alysha, came to work with a big announcements. Her 33-year-old husband, Chad, was in renal failure and needs a kidney transplant. He was born with one working kidney and this hit them like a ton of bricks. First Baptist Church in Kosciusko is holding a benefit on Sept. 11 with jumpers for kids, an auction, and plate dinners. And there is a t-shirt for sale too. They are very cute and you can purchase one up until Aug. 27. The money raised will help with medical and other expenses as they go through the transplant process.

They have three beautiful kids --Bailey Katherine, Eli and Mamie. And Alysha is my friend so you should buy a shirt.

Snap shots from the scrimmage

2010-08-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

We went to Eupora for a preseason scrimmage on Friday night. Here are a few snapshots from the game.

Antez going down. He made some good runs.

Bobby Potts first start as QB1. He only threw one interception and completed several passes.

Did I like football before I married a coach?

2010-08-08T12:14:00.000-05:00

I get that question a good bit and the answer is yes! I couldn't make it through football season with him, if I didn't like it.

Being in a house full of women, my dad was always out numbered but we found a common interest in football by the time I was 11 or 12. I started watching Mississippi State football with my Dad during the Jackie Sherrill era. The door to my closet was covered with newspaper clippings and photos of Sleepy Robinson and Sherrill.

If the Dawgs weren't on TV, then we tuned into the radio with Jack.

I was also the proud owner of a New Orleans Saints football growing up as well.

Then I went to college at MSU, and I was there for the legendary season of 1999. I went to every home game. The atmosphere was just awesome! Paul and I have been fortunate to have season tickets at MSU for two years. We enjoy going and we are excited even in the rain!

Plus, football coaching runs in the family -- my uncle was an assistant coach at several high schools and played at Delta State; one cousin was the head football coach at several schools and I have two cousins married to former football coaches as well. I guess it's just a way of life.

I guess it was FATE! :)

My Dad, #65, with my Papa and Mimi in the fall of 1969. This is the only photo I have ever seen of my dad in his uniform. I use to wear his jersey as a little girl. My dad was a good looking football player!

My Uncle Kelly suited up as a Delta State Statesmen in the 80s. I had to miss my dancing lessons to go watch him play in Cleveland one Thursday and I cried. I was sooooooooooooooo mad.

Are you ready for some football....

2010-08-06T18:10:00.000-05:00

I still can't believe the tigers have been practicing for two weeks! The heat has been unbearable and the hours are long. And the quest to get ready to play a week from tonight becomes shorter each passing day.

There have been some obstacles to over come -- Finding QB1. Most Ethel fans know the story behind that one and we've all moved on.

We will be playing Eupora next Friday for two quarters. I hope we execute well and everyone comes out of this healthy.

And, as always, we have t-shirts for you to buy, program ads are on sale and gas raffle tickets to be purchased.

Seafood and shopping on the beach

2010-07-31T08:05:00.000-05:00

As our summer came to an end and with football practice coming on Monday, we stayed in Foley, Ala., and made stops in Destin, Fla., and Gulf Shores, Ala.

Unfortunately we didn't get to walk on the beach because every time we decided we would go it would rain.

We did enjoy some seafood and shopping though! No crowds but we saw lots of signs proclaiming support for the sandy shores!

I finally got to paint at Easely Amused

2010-07-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

Mine & Lisa's paintings

My sister, Lisa and her teacher friend, Amy and I went to Easely Amused to paint the "Tree of Life" on Thursday night. I had been wanting to go for quite sometime and we finally made it there. We were all a little scared of all the curly Qs but I think the turned out all right. We laughed and laughed and had a really good time. I registered Lisa for a class since she was at the hospital with Brian and his mom and when I went back to do mine the class was full! My luck!!!!!!

When in South Bend, Ind., or near it....

2010-07-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Touchdown Jesus

Two great coaches, my hubby and Knute Rockne

Paul and I took an antiquing vacation with his parents for a week and we traveled at least parts of seven states including Illinois, Indiana and Ohio all the while searching for treasures to sell.

Since planning the trip and looking on the map, Paul has been planning on going to see "Touchdown Jesus." I know sometimes we want to thank Jesus for a Touchdown but I really didn't know what the site was other than it was on Notre Dame's campus.

We were going to attend an auction the next day in a town nearby so his parents made the stop. We jumped out of the car and stepped on campus right by the stadium.

We didn't get to see the inside of the stadium but we did see the Coach Knute Rockney's statue and Touchdown Jesus.

I googled it on the way there so here's what Touchdown Jesus is:

The stadium is known for its view of "Touchdown Jesus", a nickname given to the large mural entitled The Word of Life by Millard Sheets of the resurrected Jesus.^[2] Installed in 1964 on the Hesburgh Library, the mosaicked wall looms over the stadium mirroring the raised arms of a referee signifying a touchdown. The stadium expansion had the side effect of partially obscuring the view of the mural from the field.

We were there for only a few minutes but we soaked in the football history.

Ahhhhh the Delta -- Where the land is flat and the dirt is brown...

2010-06-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

My column in this week's Star-Herald:
Every time I go to buy potting soil, I chuckle just a little bit.
Why you ask? About four years ago, the husband and I decided to make a rose bed at our Pontotoc home. I told him we needed to make a list of everything we needed.
“Let’s see, we will need a tiller, plants, rose food and mulch,” I said.
And Paul said, “We will need to get some soil.”
“Why would we need that?” I replied, thinking we had acres of soil right here.
Then he explained to me that the land was made of red clay and we would need additional soil for the plants to grow.
Before you start thinking this brunette had a “blonde moment,” I have to tell you this – I am from “The Delta,” Rolling Fork to be exact.
If you wanted to plant a flower bed there, all you do is clear a spot and dig a hole. Then, “bam” the plants grow.
It’s magic.
Speaking of the Delta, Paul and I traveled there on Saturday to celebrate Father’s Day with my dad and grandpa. My parents, Paul and I traveled about 20 miles outside of Rolling Fork to Onward, where we treated them to dinner.
The only thing in Onward is The Onward Store and they serve some of the best hamburgers and hot tamales in the whole, wide world.
A new addition to the convenience store is the sit-down restaurant.
It’s a real treat with memorabilia of President Teddy Roosevelt’s famous bear hunt and other Delta memorabilia.
The menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items.
They have steak, seafood and hamburger steaks that would rival any restaurant.
Another thing that’s great about Delta life, you can actually see where you are going.
Since the land is flat and used for farming, you can see for miles and miles.
That is something I miss as I travel the hills of Attala County. Well, that and brown dirt.

The corn is as high as an elephant's eye

2010-06-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

The nearly finished product. Just some salt & pepper and a little butter.

My mom took over the corn "scrapping" duties. I was washing the corn in the other side of the sink and it was splattering all over me.

My station with my bottle brush. Be gone silks!

Paul, Lisa and Daddy with the puppies, Gracie and Fetcher. They shucked and shucked.

The Harvest, well part of it. There will be more to come.

The corn is as high as an elephant's eye.
–"Oh What a Beautiful Morning," Oklahoma -- the Musical.

Fresh produce is something we always had in big supply growing up in Rolling Fork. We've always had a garden and fruit trees and my grandparents had a garden too. With my dad growing corn and soybeans, there is always a patch of sweet corn.

Before Paul and I arrived Saturday, my dad and sister, Lisa, had picked 400-plus of sweet corn and we all pitched and the end result was creamed corn! Canned creamed corn can not compare to this stuff. Yummy yummy.

The new "Tiger" ride

2010-06-17T20:33:00.000-05:00

Paul's new Ford F-150 in Pebble Gold.

Our side antique business keeps us pretty busy and we needed more "hauling" space so Paul has been checking around for a larger truck. Up until today, he had a Dodge Dakota. Ironically and unintentionally, it's Vegas gold -- One of the Ethel Tiger colors. I told him since he got a truck then I should get some diamonds. We will see.

I am getting a house keeper one day a week so I can't complain to much. :)

Our first home....is now someone else's.

2010-06-17T20:23:00.001-05:00

Our House in Pontotoc.

Almost exactly 3 years after we left Pontotoc for Attala County, we finally sold the trailer and land. It was our first home together and I can say it was a little sad. It was also exciting because we freed up some money.

We came home from our Disney vacation (I will post photos sometime soon.) and went to sign papers on to sell "our summer home."

We were able to visit a few friends before we headed back. It was finally the closing of the Pontotoc chapter of our lives. We are truly blessed now to have just ONE HOUSE PAYMENT.

Things Happen for a Reason

2010-06-09T11:56:00.001-05:00

I am so far behind on blogging it is not even funny anymore.
I was invited to "Senior Day" activities (awards day of sorts) at Ethel High School and I cried throughout the whole two hour program. This bunch has been with Paul and I since we moved here in 2007 and I am very attached to them. I consider them "my babies." I made it through graduation fine and without tears! I was a proud "mom."

I was very proud that I got the caps in the air. Usually I am not so lucky!

Here's a column I wrote for The Star-Herald the week of graduation. Hope you enjoy it!

“Things happen for a reason.”
When Coach Jim Wood said that to the crowd at the Ethel High School Athletic Banquet May 15, I realized that “Yes, it certainly does.”
In 1979, a seventh grader was excited to be on the campus of EHS because he was going to get to play football.
His parents agreed he could go out as long as he didn’t complain when he got banged up and off he went. What he didn’t realize was there was a lot of running to be done at football practice and after a few days he wanted to quit.
The teen along with a buddy told their coach that they wanted to quit the team. While the coach let his friend leave, he told the youngster – “Stick with me. You’ll get through this.” And, he did and he also fell in love with the game of football.
He continued to play football under the coach for two years before moving to the high school team and his junior high football coach continued to be a part of his life long after he graduated from EHS in 1985.
The late Ira Jones, known more for coaching basketball, was my husband, Paul’s junior high football coach.
And he loves and thanks Coach Jones to this day for his 20-plus career in coaching and teaching field.
“Things happen for a reason.”
In June 2007, Paul got to come “home” with me and a million packed boxes and our pets. He was the newly hired head football coach of the Ethel Tigers.
And it’s all because, Coach Jones told a seventh grade football player – “Stick with me. You‘ll get through this.”
A simple action can impact a life in ways far more than anyone can ever imagine.
Again – “Things happen for a reason.”
On Friday night, 30-plus seniors at Ethel High School will graduate and have the chance to impact lives.
Whether it’s entering the college classroom, the workforce or the military, remember that the decisions you make affect others.
On this eve, eve of graduation remember:
– Graduation is not the end but a beginning of a new phase in your life.
– Remember where you came from and where you are going.
– Believe in yourself and all the potential you possess.
– Surround yourself with goodness.
– Set goals and keep them.
– For every action, there is a reaction.
And, of course, everything happens for a reason.

These are truly "my babies" and while we added more football players in their class over the years, they are the core.
–Hunter -- What can I say about Hunter? He has truly grown up over the last three years. I am proud that he now holds a driver's license (that's a long story). He looks like a Mexican in this picture and Paul made him into QB1.
-- Nico -- He is more quiet than the rest. When Nico would make a play on the field, it would make you smile. He's just all in all a good kid.
-- Troy -- He's quiet around Ms. Dees but I have been told he can be a little sneaky. I watched him get stronger and stronger each year. He became a two-time state powerlifting champion.
--Keith -- He's going to smack you in the mouth on the football field. Always smiling and always has a hug for you. He has made the decision to serve our country in the National Guard.
-- Dustin -- Always smiling and will keep you in stitches -- that's Dustin.

We love you. We will miss you. And the door is always open!

Saturday's storms

2010-04-28T21:06:00.001-05:00

It's been a crazy few days for me since the storm hit on Saturday.

As soon as the storm passed, we headed to my in-laws' home in District 2 of Attala County. They were in Kosciusko at the antique mall at the time of the storm and we went to see if their house was still there. From the radar on TV it looked as though it passed right over their house. Nothing was out of place when we arrived.

We then went to Berea Baptist Church and the Natchez Trace Parkway but couldn't get across either direction.

Then we got to where the storm damage hit Highway 440 in Hesterville. Talk about Nature's Fury. Twisted trees. Twisted metal. Uprooted huge trees.

Check out the photos at www.starherald.net

It wasn't until later that I went to Mill Springs in Choctaw County -- Sunday morning to be exact. People sifting through the rubble looking for their belongings. Sullivan's Crossroads Grocery, a building made of cinder blocks, was totally gone. The Weather Channel was already on the scene.

It was total devastation. I was horrified and saddened. I drove the scene and was in awe. Five were killed including three children.

I went back on Monday and the recover effort was underway. The remains of house were demolished by crews and a nearby church was feeding those who lost everything. I also went to a Red Cross Shelter in Ackerman and the White Plains area in Attala County.

Tuesday night was the first night I slept since viewing the rubble.

A few of the kids who attend Ethel High School, where my husband works, were affected by the storm. One family lost everything.

State Powerlifting

2010-04-22T14:12:00.005-05:00

Troy squatting

Troy with Coach Dees and Coach Parish

Antez deadlifting

Ryan Self in a squat

Eight powerlifters went to Jackson Saturday for the state powerlifting championships and 3 place with Troymun taking 1st for the second time and setting two state records in the 1A 165-pound class for bench press (305) and squat (450) and Antez and Ryan took 3rd in their weight classes. Everyone lifted there personal best.

If you don't know about powerlifting (I really didn't until last year), here is the short version -- You have three lifts -- bench press, squat and deadlift. You get three chances to do each lift and your highest is recorded in each. The total weight determines how you finish.

Troy lifted a total of 1,175 pounds. WOW! That's all I can say. I was on the floor when he set the record for the bench press and it gave me chill bumps. It was awesome.

I feel like such a proud mom.

Headed to State Saturday

2010-04-14T18:34:00.005-05:00

I have really been slacking on my blog and after my rant about today's youth, I really need a good and positive post.
So here we go....
Eight of our 12 lifters are headed to the State Powerlifting meet on Saturday at the Coliseum in Jackson.
Last year, Ethel took one lone lifter, Troymun Hawthorne, and he came home a STATE CHAMPION in 1A. He's back again with seven others -- Antez Hopkins, Baby Tre, Little Self, Christian Sanders, Lawrence Shaffer, Greg Allen, and Nick Winters. I don't know how many STATE CHAMPS we will bring home but we are excited about the competition.
It's only the second year for the EHS powerlifting team.

Kids these days...

2010-03-31T20:30:00.002-05:00

When Paul and I moved here almost three years ago, we both felt like we were pushed by the mighty hand of God into Attala County. That was further reinforced when shortly after Paul was approved for his position at Ethel, I got a job at the Star Herald (a place that employ es less than 10 people).

I told him that I would get involved with the teens at Ethel High School more than I ever did at South Pontotoc and I am so blessed for it.

Whether its a short conversation at a ballgame or a passing by in Wal-Mart. We all have the chance to make a difference in the lives of teens.

They are so remarkable b/c some of them do not know the potential they possess. Some come from backgrounds that are far from normal but they manage to smile and excel at school and sports and other activities.

For the past month, I have been sitting in Attala County Circuit Court reporting on cases where I find that high school dropouts are throwing there lives away on drugs, thefts and sometimes murder.

It upsets me. It worries me. It makes me want to take action.

When do we say "No more. Not in my community."

It takes all of us to raise these children. They are our future. Give back in your schools, churches, and community groups.

I wear the hats of "Mrs. Dees," "Mama Dees," and "Newspaper lady" and I am the lucky one.