Tennessee vs. Alabama

On October 24th we had all the teens and college kids over to the house for a Football Party and cookout. We had about 11 people show up. We grilled hotdogs and had plenty of chili, chips, and cookies to go with them. The kids really wanted to schedule it for the Tennessee vs. Georgia game (in order to heckle Pastor Kevin) but that one was the day after the slumber party and I just didn't think I could handle that all in one weekend. So they settled for Tennessee vs. Alabama since we border that state and have a few Alabama fans among us. Its way more fun to watch a sporting event if you can harrass those around you. Its actually the only part of the sport that I like. I have a previously unknown talent for heckling. We had one lone Alabama fan and everyone else was rooting for Tennessee. Even Kevin was hoping the Volunteers would win (gasp! I know!) because they were the underdog and he thought Alabama was over rated. I didn't really care either way (I figure neutral is good...just look at Switzerland - no one bothers them and they have great skiing and the worlds best chocolate). I guess I'm a Georgia fan by marriage, but I really just like to socialize.

Hannah Shea has not had a quiet moment since the day she was born. I did not duct tape her....the kids did it. I did confiscate her cell phone til half time so she would stop texting. I'm pretty sure she's going to have carpal tunnel.

Josh, Christy, and Blake. Christy was voted most spirited...just look at her socks. Festive AND team appropriate.

Haley had a Halloween party to go to after the game so she modeled her costume for me. Best go-go girl I've seen lately.

Keep our kiddos on your prayer list. We have a youth revival scheduled for them this weekend - Friday thru Sunday. A team from TNU is coming to preach for them and introduce them to some contemporary worship. The services will be at 7pm Friday and Saturday night. We're feeding them pizza Friday before the service so they can mingle with the TNU kids. On Saturday we hauling them down to the Chattanooga Rescue Mission so they can participate in a service project. We want to slowly open their eyes to the hardships many people face and how they can help. They'll be doing light maintenance and serving a meal as well as eating with the homeless so that they have a chance to talk to them. That part may get interesting...I talked to them about what we would be doing last week and I was surprised to find that they're all scared of homeless people. Its not something they see much in their little town of Jasper, TN. I hope they will begin to see that there isn't anything to be afraid of. Maybe someday they'll realize the scariest thing would be not to care or help those in our community who find themselves on the outside looking in. We'll let you know how it goes and post pictures. I'll try not to make it a month late this time!

Mandy