Call Unto Me...

Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

I grew up at a church that lived by this verse. This verse was so important to that church that to this day they still have a stone that has this verse engraved on it in a walkway. Now that's really walking on God's promises, huh? ;-) Needless to say, I memorized this verse at a very young age.

This verse has been what we've lived by for this adoption because we honestly don't have $20,000 or so lying around to do an international adoption. The money thing has been a huge thing for us to consider...so we've called on God!

And He has answered in so many ways...one of which came Saturday. We had a yard sale this past Saturday at our church. Sweet Katelyn had text me Friday night saying that she and Anna were going to come by the church and give us something while we were there setting up. I thought they were going to bring some items for us to sell at the yard sale like others had done. She text me later and said that they would have to come by Saturday instead...again, thinking the same thing.

Saturday morning Katelyn and Anna came by and handed Ernie a card...with $800 in it!!!!!! Seriously? This is a college student and a newlywed we're talking about here handing us that much money. Apparently they had been making these bracelets (see picture below) and selling them for $2...yes, $2 is what I just said. God turned a bunch of thread, a lot of work and time and 2 girl's willing hearts to help and serve into $800. THIS IS HUGE! Anyway, we were (and still are) amazed, overwhelmed, humbled and blessed by this and so grateful to all who helped make that happen. The picture is of 2 of their beautiful creations on my lily white ankle. One is Green Bay Packer colors (of course...green and gold) and the other is green, white and red which are Mexico's colors...a reminder to pray for our process, the orphanage and the people there.

So our big BBQ fundraiser is coming up this weekend and I turn another year older along with our country so it's a big weekend!!! The BBQ fundraiser is shaping up to be another display of God's provision which couldn't be a better birthday present. I've also enjoyed hearing our 2 boys as they are getting more and more involved or used to the idea of bringing "la chica" or "las chicas" home to our forever family. It's fun to hear them talk about something and say "when 'la chica' gets here" or "how are we going to do this when 'la chica' gets here?"...I just LOVE how they're getting on board and getting excited!!!

Please continue to pray for our adoption agency, Gladney, as they're still working through the Hague issue. I understand that they were in Holland recently and that is where the Hague HQ's are so we're hoping a resolution is in sight and it won't cause anymore families any problems.

Fingerprints have been mailed with the appropriate paperwork and after this weekend our first installment payment will be sent along with the first wave of paperwork due. We're making progress even if it's behind the scenes and you guys don't see it. Please continue to pray...we're so grateful for that!!!

My Thanksgiving Blog Post (a little bit late)

Yes, I know I didn't do a Thanksgiving Blog Post for Thanksgiving...thanks for noticing, but since when have I been one to follow rules? So - here goes!

First and foremost I'm thankful for Jesus Christ because of Who He is and what He has done for me:

Psalm 103

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

That right there is more than enough, isn't it? But there's more! I'm thankful for my husband, Ernie. He has been Jesus to me in human form more times than I can count. I don't know what else to say. He has put up with me and knows me and still loves me...he is my best friend and a fabulous daddy!

I'm thankful for my two precious sons and the joy that they bring. They are energy all the time and keep us on our toes, but I wouldn't trade it for a second! We're also praying about adding a 3rd through the miracle of adoption (don't know boy or girl yet obviously)!! Adoption is fundamental to our Christian faith...we were adopted into Christ's family and are joint heirs with Him and God is our Heavenly Father! I'm thankful for my Christian heritage and for growing up with parents that made sure I was in church and learned scripture! They weren't perfect, but what parents are? I pray that I'm teaching my children Christian principles as my parents did. I'm thankful that I had 30 years with my daddy who touched so many people's lives in his almost 75 years. I'm thankful that I still have my mom. I'm also thankful for my 2 older brothers even though we're not as close as I would like.

I'm thankful for friends...both the Christian friends that keep me accountable and encourage and pray for me and my non-Christian friends that I try to be salt and light to every day.

I'm thankful for our church family and that God has called us into full time ministry. I love being married to a pastor...of course it's not without its challenges, but I wouldn't have it any other way! I only pray that we walk worthy of the calling He has placed on our lives and aren't a stumbling block as we mess up because we're human.

There are so many other things...I've only scratched the surface! Those of you that know me (even some that don't) know that I'm also thankful for the Green Bay Packers and Alabama football (and that we're on our way to a 13th national championship!!!), but I digress. The most important is the first thing mentioned in this post...spend some time in that passage and I would love to talk to you more about it if you have questions. May God bless you and may we be thankful EVERY day and not just once a year!

Are you Ready for Some Football?



Of course I watched Monday Night Football and you knew I had to blog about Favre's first actual start with the Vikings (for the record, no, I don't count last week as a real start since he had been with them 3 days and played 1 series)! I still have a hard time seeing him in purple, but I'm so excited that he had a good game overall. I think that he did a great job and he also shut some people up that he can still play. Honestly, if you can make a good argument that he's not in the top 5 NFL QB conversation then I'll acquiesce, but I don't think you can. I realize that really isn't saying much right now with the status quo of NFL QB's, but you get my point.



He said that if he could still play at the NFL level then he felt like he should come back. He's doing it and he proved it Monday night. Now, a lot of people are asking me about his "chop block" and my thoughts on that. My first thought was how crazy is Childress for even putting his almost 40 year old QB that just had shoulder surgery in that type of position. The man is a QB and doesn't know how to block for heaven's sake either! Before all of you start telling me that he played D Line and SS in high school and should know how to block better please bear in mind that that was over 20 years ago. Anyway, I don't think that it was intentionally to hurt anyone...it could have hurt him too. I think it was a crazy call by the coaching staff, but I do agree with my buddy, Dunaway, who said that if anything, it did send a message that he's still got the toughness that some people have questioned since this injury and surgery.

After watching him play Monday night with all the pressure that he had to prove himself again, I have to say that I'm so glad he came back! He's always fun to watch and he looks like he's still enjoying himself...I just hope we intercept him every time on October 5th and November 1st! Those are circled on my calendar. Both teams are undefeated so far in preseason with the Pack facing the Titans Thursday night. My Pack looks REALLY good and I can't wait for that first test against our arch rival da Bears with their new QB. Watch out for the Pack this season...our D is nasty good!

It's game week for college football, people! I've never been more ready I don't think. NC State and SC as well as Troy playing the first games. Saturday night in the GA dome...it's almost too much to take and we haven't kicked off yet! I'm a little nervous about Bama this weekend with Va Tech since we've had so many distractions this week. I know that we will bring our A game though just like we did last year in the same place against Clemson.

The SEC teams will be tough this year for the most part and fun to watch. All I have to say is, "Are you ready for some football?" Have a great season!

What in the name of the NFL?...I can't believe it!

Up until Tuesday of this week I was still defending Brett Favre. Monday afternoon when the story broke from Jay Glazer I was still saying that there was nothing to it. I was saying that this was just wishful thinking from the players because they weren't happy with their QB choices. I never thought that I would hear on Tuesday that Favre was boarding a private plane to MN to sign a contract and work out with the team...BUT it happened.

Now that it has happened I'm still trying to let it sink in because I'm still a bit shocked. Everyone told me not to be, but I still am a little shocked. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a Favre fan, but this time I'm a little frustrated with how this all went down. It is obvious now that he doesn't want to go through training camps and OTAs so he just worked around that. Shame on Childress for being so star struck that he allowed that. What happened to the days where if you're in then you're in 100%? Favre used to even speak against guys doing "hold outs" during camp saying that they should honor their contract. I guess Favre wasn't really under contract yet, but that's debatable according to some people as well.

On the flip side, I'm excited that I get to see him play again. I've said a million times that he's good for the league. He sells tickets and he sells a ton of merch. People love to give their opinions on him, some love to hate him and some people are very passionate about either their love or hate for him.

It's crazy the amount of people that blog, call sports talk shows, message board, comment and follow a man that they have NO ties to at all. My dad was from Milwaukee so I grew up a Packer fan. As a result, I ended up a Favre fan so I have a reason, but some of these people have NEVER paid $300 for a ticket just to see him play like I have. I even remember going to an Alabama homecoming game in the rain against Southern Miss when Favre played. I didn't even know who their QB was and I could have cared less who it was walking into the stadium. I heard who he was listening to the pre game on my headsets because he had apparently just had a bad car wreck weeks before and had a good bit of his intestines removed as a result, but he was going to be starting that game. I KNEW this would be a cake walk after all of that. I mean, it's Southern Miss and Homecoming, for heaven's sake! Boy was I wrong...along with most of the Alabama defense I suppose. We got beat on homecoming single-handedly by a kid named Favre that had just had major surgery weeks before. Who knew?

I have to say that after that I was amazed at his talent and athleticism. Him becoming a Packer a couple of years after that was icing on the cake for this Cheesehead! That's why and how I became a Favre fan. I will always be a Packer fan FIRST though. I want him to do well this season except for 2 games...October 5th and November 1st (I'm sure the media won't have ANY hype leading up to either of these games at all). I will NEVER pull for the Vikings though...I just want Favre to do well for his career stats, etc. They are still a rival and I can't pull for them or the Bears EVER to win. It's crazy to even see him all over the Vikings website and I can't imagine him in purple and gold, but I guess we'll see it soon enough.

In conclusion, I guess I would say in my world I'm first and always a Packer fan, I'm still a Favre fan, but he's lost a bit of luster in my mind, I want Favre to do well, but I want the Vikings to lose! Is that clear as mud now? I know...I'm a dichotomy of sorts.

This is a picture I took of Favre at a game I attended when he was wearing the RIGHT

colors for the RIGHT team!

25 Random Things...

Ok, so on Facebook I was tagged to write 25 random things about myself. I really didn't have time and told one of my friends that tagged me that and then I got nagged and I guess I cracked under the peer pressure! Anyway...here is what I wrote for those few people I know that don't have a Facebook account:

Some of these are things that only very few people know!
1. my favorite television show is 24 - I own every season on DVD...Jack Bauer rocks and there need to be more Americans like him
2. I love football...both college and NFL
3. My favorite teams are Alabama and Green Bay Packers in reference to #2
4. I sometimes call local sports talk radio shows as Southern Cheesehead
5. I married the only boyfriend that I ever had. Marriage is a journey and has rough spots sometimes, but thankfully my hubby believes in God's grace and forgiveness and loves me for me
6. I've never broken a bone in my body
7. I've never learned to ride a bike (mainly because I was scared of #6 changing...my mom broke her arm riding a bike and I associated that and never learned)
8. I was offered a full scholarship to Liberty University my senior year of high school for voice and turned it down because I didn't feel God was leading me there...many people believe that it's because it was 11 hours away from Ernie and my Daddy...those were considerations, but the Lord didn't want me there - period
9. I was born a red head...it turned blond by the time I started school and now it's strawberry blond along with some "enhancements" to cover the gray!
10. I have 2 older brothers
11. My oldest brother is 12 years older than me
12. I was born on a national holiday...July 4th and yes, it's my favorite holiday and my kids believe the fireworks are for my b'day
13. If you know me then you know I'm very outgoing and never meet a stranger, but I used to be shy and hide behind my mother's skirts!
14. My Grandmother lived with us most of my life
15. I never met my mom's parents because they died before I was born
16. I LOVE 80's music even though I know it was mainly cheesy and over produced and the videos were even worse
17. I've met Bret Michaels of Poison and have my picture with him
18. I got married in 1992 (that makes almost 17 years...Glory to God!)
19. I'm still good friends with all 7 of my bridesmaids and had some part in almost all of their weddings too
20. We're praying about and considering adopting a child from Mexico
21. I'm about the only person in America that doesn't think Andy Griffith Show is funny and don't like watching it
22. Two of my friends I have been close friends with for over 30 years
23. I went to a Packer game in December at Lambeau Field when it was 6 degrees and LOVED it!
24. I'm a big fan of Brett Favre and have seen him play live 5 times at 3 different fields
25. My children are the greatest and most challenging all at the same time. It truly is the hardest task I've ever undertaken but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world.

My Poor Pack...

Last night I was so excited about Monday Night Football. It was the Packers vs. Saints...the Jets had won the day before against the undefeated Titans and Favre did really well at 78%! The table was set for a great night. The first half was pretty good and everything was back and forth. They seemed to answer each other score for score...until the second half happened. Rodgers looked horrible...he completed passes, but they were just to the other team. Drew Brees picked apart our secondary which had been doing so well so far this season. It was so painful to watch that I finally turned it off at 4th quarter when we were down 51 to 29.

I know that Ted Thompson will NEVER admit that he made a mistake by giving up Favre, but I somehow think it would make me feel a little better. We could be SuperBowl contenders this year. I realize that Rodgers is going to be a decent QB and our future, but couldn't we have just had Favre back one more time to make a run at the big dance? We'll never know now. I'm glad he's doing well with the Jets, but I want my Pack to do well more and it's just not happening.

Well, it's time to move on...it's Iron Bowl week and my sweetie and I will be heading to T-town to have a little Dreamland and root the Tide on to a victory to make us 12 and 0. The quad should be electric...I can't wait! Roll Tide Roll and Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

A Favre-less Monday Night Football in Lambeau...

As I turned on ESPN to watch the game last night and saw the team run out of the tunnel it just didn't feel right. I knew it was coming, but I still wasn't prepared for how wrong it was to not see #4 running out of the tunnel with them. Don't get me wrong - I'm glad this whole ordeal is over, but it hardly ended as most of us Packer fans desired.

I won't even mention how the commentators didn't even "commentate" on the game...all they did was rehash all the off-season drama between the Favre thing and Chad Johnson - you would have never even known there was a game going on in the background. But the thing that frustrated me the most last night was how "Korn-ball" and the rest of the commentators were so "shocked" that the Packer fans supported Rodgers when he took the field. Get it through your heads, people, I've said it before and I'll say it again - this has NEVER been about NOT liking Aaron Rodgers. It has ONLY been about the fact that given our choice as Packer fans - we believe that Favre is the better QB right now. I believe that Coach McCarthy felt the same way, but at the end of the day the Green Bay Packers sign his paycheck so it didn't matter because he had to do what Thompson and Murphy wanted to do when it was all said and done. He did and I'm afraid we'll all pay for it. Give us Packer fans some credit, people - the city owns the team and we're all insanely passionate for the Pack. Nothing will change the way we feel about our team - not even extreme egos in upper level management in the organization and trading our starting QB that we've grown to love and accept as family. We'll always consider him part of the Packer family, but we'll support any and all players that suit up in the beautiful green and gold.

Granted, Rodgers wasn't horrible last night, but I don't see how we could be better than a .500 team this season. I hope that I'm wrong, but I don't believe that I am. The defense looked really good, but that wasn't really a question - there are a lot of issues on offense - not the least of which is at running back with Grant injured and, of course, back up QB.

Furthermore, how much impact can ONE player make? I'm referring to Favre at the Jets. They're still basically the same three win team from last year. I asked former QB, Jay Barker (who I have a huge amount of respect for as a brother in Christ) that very question this morning. He brought up a great point about the fact that there is now automatically more stability with Favre in the huddle which can make a huge impact immediately. I agree with him, but I'm still not convinced that it's enough to make them an instant success...better maybe, but if they win four games it's better. People's expectations are way out of control. I'm a fan, but I'm also a realist.

If some crazy miracle happens that some people have incorrectly predicted and the Jets meet the Packers in the SuperBowl while Favre is still starting for the Jets it will not be a conflict of interests for me. Please quit asking me and the other Packer fans this question...it was asked of a fan last night during the game. The answer is the same - we're Packer fans FIRST and Favre fans second. We will ALWAYS pull for the Pack no matter who is traded or playing for the other team...even someone who ended up larger than life for us for 16 years in a Packer uniform. Again, thanks 4 the memories, but GO PACK GO no matter what!!

Just when you thought it was safe to cheer for the Bucs...

Another day...another twist - I had just started last night doing research on the Tampa Bay Bucs so that I would know more about them since I'm 24/7 Packers. I wake up this morning to find the city that never sleeps was making a deal last night with small town Green Bay! Now I've got to start the research all over again.

I must tell you that my last memory of the Jets isn't very fond. It was a Sunday afternoon in December of 2006 with snow on the ground and 6 degrees at Lambeau Field. This southern girl froze her buns off watching the Jets beat the Packers by 4 touchdowns. Yes, you read that right - FOUR touchdowns. It was not my first Packers game at Lambeau, but it was my first regular season Packers game at the TRUE frozen tundra. It was memorable of course...I looked like the Michelin Man (as you can see above)! That was the last time that I got to see Brett play live at Lambeau and now I'll be watching him in green and white instead of green and gold.

I guess I better go and brush up on my Jets information and get ready to yell J-E-T-S Jets, Jets Jets!!! I'm glad I don't have to watch them play my Pack this year...Go Pack Go!!!

You're in the WRONG bay...

Wow...a lot can change in 24 hours, can't it? I seem to remember very recently thinking all was right with the world again. Gas prices had come down some, football was on tv when I turned it on and Brett Favre was walking around Green Bay. Even my friend's little boy tried to console his crying and upset toddler sister by saying, "Cheer up, Brett Favre is back in Green Bay" - I just love that child for thinking that way - it cheered me up. That abruptly came to a screeching halt yesterday as practice started and #4 was strangely still missing. Then Coach McCarthy took the podium and stated the inevitable and the obvious...Brett wasn't going to play for Green Bay.

I just can't get over the roller coaster of emotions and events that have gone on over the past few weeks and months in this situation. I realize that a player shouldn't be bigger than the team, but he's been beloved by the fans and the city...which owns the team...and he led us back to success that we hadn't seen in years - it makes it hard to stop something like that from happening. I believe that it took a big man to admit that he would be a disruption to come back and play for the team that he loves so much. He's torn inside...he loves the team for which he's played 16 years and he loves the fans there and he loves playing the game, but there isn't much love lost for Ted Thompson who has obviously gotten his way.

It breaks my heart that Packers management has decided to treat their very own this way, but I will still support the team. I was born a Packer fan and that's not something that you just throw away, but over the past 16 years I've become a Favre fan as well.

So I guess I'm now going to have to adopt another team...a different Bay it looks like - the WRONG one, but another bay nonetheless. I guess I'll have not-so-matching #4 jersies pretty soon because I will still support him as one of the best NFL QB's to play the game...and proud of the fact that the majority of that career and success was with my team...the Green Bay Packers. I saw my first Packer game with him at the helm...and then my first Packer game at Lambeau with him as the starter. Thanks 4 the memories, Brett! I'm now prepared that it's going to be a long season for us and good ol' Ted "stubborn ego" Thomson. I hope you have a great season and show them why you wanted to come back and how you can still play. Think about us as we suffer through what we were used to before you came. And we'll think about you as we watch you get used to a team that has cheerleaders on the sidelines and a big pirate ship in the end zone. Ahoy matey!

Like sands through the hourglass...

Ok, apparently some of you have been anxiously awaiting my opinion (for some unknown reason) on the ongoing Favre saga. I've spoken to many of you about it, but haven't specifically done a blog entry on it because it's very difficult for me to have an objective opinion regarding the subject and I also keep waiting for another strand to unravel. It seems that there are new comments or developments (if you can call them that) every day...as evidenced by my plentiful Google alerts!

Before he held the press conference I was wanting him to come back one more year. I hated that he went out on an interception in OT that lost the NFC championship for them. I also felt like with his competitive spirit that he wouldn't want to go out that way either and that he had gotten so close to the SuperBowl again that he could taste it so he would make another run. After he held the press conference in March, I truly felt he would be a man of his word and stay retired. As soon as the reports started flying about him wanting to come back and play I passed it off at first and said that I felt like he was sincere when he said that he was retiring. I realize now that I'm probably the only one that actually thought that...no one else believed that he was truly hanging it up. So here it is: everyone makes mistakes and I stand corrected...no biggie...I can own up to it.

A few days and weeks after those first reports, then I started hearing that the Packers weren't welcoming him back with open arms - I realized then that there had to be some truth to all of this and was officially in a frenzy. Now Favre has broken his silence and spoke fairly candidly about the situation "on the record" the past two nights (insert chuckle here that ESPN didn't get the interview first). I have tried to be objective after seeing the interview with Greta, and I can't think of any motivation for him to lie. I totally believe him when he says that he was pressured to make a decision early and that's the way that he felt at that time...and that most veteran QB's would say the same thing in March when asked to make a choice.

I think that he should have stayed retired, personally (**shocking gasp**). I know that's hard to believe coming from me, but after the public retirement announcement then he should stick to it - that's the way my parents raised me! My opinion after the fact that he didn't stay retired though? I believe that after 16 years with an organization, 3 time MVP with that organization, leading to a SuperBowl win for that organization and all of the HUGE income just from merchandising alone for them that he has earned the right to come back. At the worst, he has earned the right to at least compete for his starting position back. Goodness, there have been a couple of times in the past that he has lowered his income on his contract just to help out with the salary cap! That doesn't sound like a diva to me!

My bottom line thoughts on the matter is that Ted Thompson (Packers GM) gets paid to put the absolute best team on the field...that team is better with Favre right now rather than Rodgers. I realize that he put them in a bad position by deciding to come back, but Ted Thompson was already walking a thin line with the Packer Nation and he certainly hasn't made that any better with how he has handled this situation. That is obvious by the rallies that are being held now outside the offices with Packer fans screaming for Favre's starting position back. Never underestimate the power of two things: the city owns the team and the majority of the owners want their beloved QB back.

Am I conflicted as a fan? It depends on which fan you're asking...I'm first a Packer fan. I was asked yesterday if Favre went to another team and came out on Lambeau Field in another jersey who I would pull for; I didn't hesitate to answer "the Packers". I was born with cheese on my head thanks to my dad being from Milwaukee...my allegiance will never change in the NFL.

Although, the Favre fan of me IS conflicted because he can't seem to make up his mind, but I love to watch him play and his style of playing. So the thought of him coming back does make a part of me ecstatic! I would hate to see him go out on a stretcher though...the thought of that is somewhat foreign because of how durable he has been, but the reality is that it can't last forever. Those are the reasons why I'm conflicted as a Favre fan.

At the end of the day, no matter what happens, I will always support my Packers. I may not agree with everything that goes on in their offices, but I have a short term memory as soon as the green and gold take the field...no matter who is in those uniforms. I would obviously feel more confident if Favre was still in #4 taking that field! Lambeau is a special place that is hard to describe in words, but it was special during the tough years in the 80's and will still be special in the 21st century when the Favre era is only a memory. Either way - Go Pack Go!

Reality sets in (and bites I might add)

It was a sad day yesterday for us cheeseheads. It was really a sad day for the entire NFL nation. Both franchises owe a lot to #4, Brett Favre, and now that he's retiring neither will be the same unfortunately.

I'm doing my best today to be positive and think about the fact that Favre gave us an incredible run. We couldn't have asked or expected more from a QB. He broke tons of records, his stats speak for themselves, but he did so much more beyond that. Football fans everywhere know #4 on the field, but true Packer fans...actual cheeseheads know the other side of Favre off the field. He doesn't like the spotlight and even though he's worth more than most people in Hattiesburg, he's probably the least pretentious guy in the state of Mississippi.

This is why I don't believe that he'll end up in a big sports broadcasting career anytime soon. He'd be great at it, and I'm sure his agent's phone has been ringing off the hook with offers since the official announcement yesterday, but I think he'd rather just ride off into the Mississippi sunset on his tractor. He's a normal everyday guy that never asked for or dreamed he'd be one of the most popular QB's in NFL history. He knew he had ability and talent; he knew he had grit and determination, but he never knew that it would turn into a larger than life soon to be Hall of Famer. Favre has a way of playing the game that can't really be coached...you're born with it. He could be coached to a certain extent, but he has an uncanny ability as he studied film and read defenses to eventually go with his gut. He came up with some of his own plays...thankfully Coach McCarthy knew him well enough to allow him to do that - it obviously paid off this past season.

Brett has never forgotten where he came from and he has tried to give back. His and Deanna's foundation has helped people less fortunate for years. He has actively been involved with Make a Wish. He and Deanna have big hearts that have overcome incredible odds. They have gone through multiple deaths of family members, car wreck that required serious intestinal surgery, addiction, cancer, a natural disaster and many naysayers early in his career...and even later in his career. They are private people, but have always handled tragedies publicly and head on. I appreciate people who shoot straight and that seems to be the way they are.

I was born a Packer fan since my dad was from Milwaukee. Over the years there have certainly been highs and lows, wins and losses, from laughing stock of the NFL to a SuperBowl win, but the love for the Pack never changes no matter what if you're truly a cheesehead - with or without #4. The Favre family earned our respect, love and support over the years. They will always be a party of the Packer family. It has been a great run and as a member of Packer Nation I wish Brett the best. I'm privileged to have been able to see him play live...both on the road and at Lambeau.

Now we look forward to the Rodgers era. That sounds strange, but I support him wholeheartedly along with anyone else who is fortunate enough to wear that Packer jersey. Who knows what could happen...nobody expected much from a southern boy from Kiln, Mississippi when he got traded to our team but he ended up with 3 MVP awards. Rodgers has sat patiently waiting in the wings and he deserves a shot...he has been there long enough to know what big shoes he has to fill. I hate that my children won't get to see Favre play except from highlights...my oldest only got to see him a short time - not long enough and he's not old enough to truly appreciate what he was seeing.

I can't wait to hear Favre's press conference tomorrow to get it straight from him in his words with his southern drawl. Here's my "passing the torch" picture that I took this past pre-season at the Tennessee game...I didn't know how prophetic it would be until now:

End of an era

I can't even put out a blog post right now I'm so upset with the news that I've just heard. I'm praying it's a horrible rumor that Brett is retiring...it's not on the Packer website yet so maybe it is!...look, one can hope.

Stunned...

I can't believe it...devastation in Packer nation!

Well, we win with class so we'll lose with class. The Pack is still back. I didn't expect to do this well this season with such a young team so I'm proud of my Pack!

Gosh I love this team! (click on the link)
http://www.packers.com/multimedia/videos/2007_gameday/video_20080118__a191fca4d538__01cbc3bde3cb/

GO PACK GO!!!!

I stand corrected...

Everyone knows by now (or can tell from reading any of my blog entries to date) that I'm a passionate Packer Backer...if you still haven't figured it out then my screen name should be a clue. My late father was from Milwaukee originally and transplanted here in sweet home Alabama many years ago. I was born to a cheesehead so I was born to be one, but I digress.

As a passionate fan (and red head to boot) I can sometimes be opinionated and talk some smack (insert gasp of shock and awe here). I have to say that I have questioned many a decision made by Ted Thompson. I have to say that I even was skeptical of the McCarthy hire somewhat. Well, I stand corrected on all counts (or actually, sit at this time...it's more comfortable to type that way). I don't know if I'd call ol' TT a genius yet because some of it might just be a case of things panning out better than expected, but I have to tip my hat.

The Packers started out scary yesterday to say the least. I was questioning putting Grant back in the game after 2 fumbles that resulted in spotting Seattle 14 points, but again I tip my hat to the coaching staff and Favre also for "coaching him up" and getting him to shake it off enough to make that type of comeback. He was like a man possessed after that...he truly came back out determined to make up for the mistakes and make up for them he did - in a monumental way!

And who else but Favre could have done what he did with that underhanded dump off pass to Donald Lee? He did that instead of falling down and getting sacked in the snow at 38 years old and I don't think he was even looking up at the time!

The Giants are the only thing standing in the way of my Pack making it to the big one again! I never thought at the beginning of the year that we would be sitting here at this point. I'm amazed and excited and freaked out all at the same time! It worries me when everyone says that we've got an automatic win because we're at home at the Frozen Tundra with Favre instead of in Dallas. The Giants are a good team or else they wouldn't be playing for the NFC Championship! That being said, I believe that we will win because there is a fire and look in the eyes in the Packers like I haven't seen in years, but I hardly think that it can be considered "automatic". It will be hard fought, but I certainly don't expect to see any "gimme" sacks for Strahan.

The NFL football community is drooling over the possibility (probability according to most) of Brady vs. Favre...the future vs. the "old guy" future hall of famer. This also gets me nervous, but I know that Favre doesn't pay attention to most of his own press to the point that it becomes a distraction. I remember at the beginning of the season the sports media practically making fun of Favre for saying in a press conference that this is one of the most talented teams that he has played with in recent years. I guess he's getting the last laugh.

This is a focused and tenacious Packer team. If the expected SuperBowl matchup happens, then watch out, Patriots. You might be unbeaten, but you are NOT unbeatable. Most people won't predict the Pack to come out victorious, but that's just the way we like it. My 2007-08 Packers have proven everyone wrong (including some of us fans that are realists) since the beginning of the year so in the words of Deanna Favre herself, "don't bet against me". GO PACK GO!!!!!

The "Amazing" Sports Media...
The sports media never ceases to amaze me! ...not in a good way though. I just read an article about Brett Favre about how people are asking him and Coach McCarthy if he's lost "his fast ball" based on his game against the Redskins ten days ago that was less than stellar. Now, far be it from me to take up the defense of my favorite QB to ever play the game, but this is ridiculous. They can't leave the man alone!

I believe that the media is getting to the point now that they are looking for anything that they can to prove that he's getting too old to play. Most of the time they go further than that and practically stalk him to find ANY story angle they can to have something about him. I realize how the media works - I used to sell broadcast television. They know how popular he is as a player - even people who aren't Cheeseheads love the guy and at least respect what he's done for the game so they hang on to anything they can to get a story about him. Why else do you think that they've had him retiring for at least 3 years now and hyped that up every year?

I'll make my case with the following experience - I went to the last Packers pre-season game this year against the Titans since it was only 3 hours north on I-65 from the 'Ham (otherwise known as my native Birmingham, AL...where American Idols are born). Again, just as a reminder, this was a Titans home game...which they won by 16 points. I was sitting about 12 rows up behind the Packer bench around the 50 yard line wearing my #4 Favre lady's jersey and cheesehead. I look over toward the aisle and there are dozens of people (not all in Packer gear) with cameras and camera phones in the air trying to get a pic of Favre. I walked down and struck up a conversation with another lady in a #4 Favre jersey with a camera and said, "Isn't this crazy? You'd never know we were the visiting team losing by 16 points". She laughed and we proceeded to discuss the fact that all the television cameras were over at the bench where Favre was sitting and trying to carry on a conversation with another player. He was the one that the tv cameras followed off the field into the tunnel...he creates a media frenzy everywhere he goes without asking for it.

I think the sports media has ended up like the paparazzi in Favre's case mainly because we as fans continue to watch anything we can on him and that begins the vicious cycle...fans watch = ratings...ratings = advertisers...advertisers = money. I would dare say that the Packers' franchise as a whole has made more money off #4 than any other one player for over a decade. Just watch the game against Denver next Monday night and count the Favre gear you see compared to anyone else - it's insane!

Look, in closing, I love a Favre story as much as anyone, but after reading the article mentioned above - my response is "CAN'T YOU JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE?" Do you agree that the sports media goes too far? He's an incredible player and fun to watch - we are all privileged to have been able to watch him throughout his career, but every player has a bad day. Don't pick him apart just to get a story...trust me - you don't want to mess with the Packer Nation...or this red headed cheesehead either!

Winners, Squeakers...and a bye bye bye...

I'm back among the living in blogger land...sorry for the hiatus.

Luckily I didn't have to add the "losers" up in the title, but squeaking by with 3 points seems to be the theme this weekend for both my college and pro teams so they get called "squeakers". I don't like just barely getting by - I like for my teams to dominate and that just didn't happen.

Let's start with my Tide. For heaven's sake, Ole Miss is the worst team in the SEC and you can't even understand their coach when he talks so why couldn't we put them away? I'll tell you why - our D-line! We need some serious help in that area, but hopefully that will improve over the next few years as Saban gets his own recruits in their to run his defensive scheme. I guess he's doing the best he can of trying to fit square pegs into round holes, but Alabama fans have never had realistic expectations from anyone so why would we start now? We expected to blow out the Rebs and just didn't do it. We've got the ol' pumpkin this weekend in T-town before a bye week and then LSU...I hate orange. 'Nuf said.

Well, it wasn't enough that I had to pull against Jason Campbell and Carlos Rogers in college and now I have to do it on Sundays. Campbell's stats actually were better than Favre's, but luckily his supporting cast likes to cough the ball up and our defense still played well for the most part and capitalized on those mistakes. My Pack's D-line needs some work as well for the most part, but they got the job done again and our offense fortunately scored more points than the opposing team's! Thankfully that's all that matters in the NFL. I'm not sure if I'm grateful for a bye week this week for the Pack or not. Normally I would say that's a good thing, but we've only lost one game and I don't want to lose momentum. After our bye this week we've got 2 road games in a row. In years past we haven't been a good road team, but this year seems to be different...we beat Minnesota on the dreaded turf already!

On paper it looks like Green Bay should do well with the remaining schedule, but we still don't know how good we are 6 games into the season...strange, isn't it? We're 5 and 1 and most people would agree. I don't like that most people say that we're not as good as our record dictates (I'm referring to talking heads here). At the end of the day, that doesn't really matter. What matters is that we're 5 and 1 regardless and in my experience it puts us in a good position to make the playoffs and Packer fans (as well as Favre) want another shot in the post season.

I'm looking forward to playing the Cowboys at the end of November since everyone is saying that Romo is the next Favre in the league. The jury is still out on him in my book. Yes, he's had an incredible year so far, but we know he doesn't do well under pressure and we'll have to wait and see how durable he is over his career. Favre has earned the Ironman nickname outright - he even had a pretty good season playing with a broken thumb!

I'm glad that this weekend I only have to worry about one nailbiter since the Pack is off, but I long for the day that both teams just seriously put someone away and I don't have to have the paramedics on standby! Roll Tide Roll!! Go Pack Go!!

Happy Birthday, #4, ten days early...
On October 10th, Brett Lorenzo Favre will turn 38 years old, but don't tell him that or he might start believing that he's old for his profession. Ok, you knew I was going to post on Brett Favre's incredible weekend once again...especially since my Tide lost AGAIN - I'll get to that later.

I must give props to an article I read from SI.com about Favre and how his stats this year compare to his MVP "prime" years. It's nothing short of amazing...truly amazing. I hate to put anyone on a pedestal because I'm sure that he'll make his mistakes this year as well, but as the article points out - he's practically doing it by himself offensively because we have absolutely no running game and this is the youngest team in the NFL.

Jimmy Johnson and Howie Long yesterday during the halftime report gave Favre props and put him in the top 3 QBs in the NFL today...that's some nice company - not to mention MUCH younger. Now Jerry "The Joke" Glanville is trying to get in on the action by saying over the weekend that he didn't have any control over trades in his contract. What? Are you kidding me? It is well documented that Glanville used to make fun of Favre and actually take bets against him in practice when Brett would claim he could rifle the pigskin into a certain section of the stadium. Glanville, take heed to Lincoln's quote stating that it's better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!

May I also take a minute to mention that Dan Marino is really a class act?! He has shown quality character through his comments and the way that he has handled himself. I was also impressed with the Vikings fans. As much as they hate the Pack I wasn't quite sure what to expect with Favre breaking the record there, but they handled themselves well and gave credit where credit was due.

I'm hesitantly optimistic being 4-0. I'm still concerned about the lack of a running game because four games into the season it hasn't improved even slightly. We also had a few injuries yesterday - one being Al Harris who is one of the best CBs in the league and we've got Chicago Sunday night. I know they have left a lot to be desired so far this season, but they always seem to bring their A game when they play us and no one hates them more than the Packers fans - they even have a song about them which gets stuck in your head if you've ever tailgated at Lambeau.

As far as my favorite team in the NCAA...well, we're finally finding out that we weren't as good as our 3-0 record dictated...exactly as I thought. It also further substantiates my theory that Shula wasn't as good of a recruiter as some people thought. Saban and his coaching staff have done their best at getting someone else's recruits prepared and we've come up short the past 2 weeks. Here's to homecoming week!

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME...
That was the title of the cover story on the December 4, 2006 edition of SI with Brett Favre on the front. After watching Favre's press conference online from after the game Sunday I'm convinced even more that he is still playing for the love of the game.

Favre will be 38 years old in a few weeks in case you've been living under a rock. He was asked in the press conference what his "secret" was (dumb question) and he said there wasn't one. He said that he feels it more after the games now, but during the games he just has fun. He said that he doesn't feel it as badly when we win. How do you not love that spirit and philosophy?!

Brett Favre was 29/38 with 1 INT for a rating of 112.4. Furthermore, Favre became the all-time winningest quarterback, with his 149th victory, breaking a tie with John Elway for the top spot. He also climbed within three TD passes of Dan Marino's career record of 420. This performance begs the question, "Who said that the old guy can't play anymore?". Seriously, when did that conversation start...just because he had some bad games and seasons?

I also love his response when questioned about breaking the record. He said that last week he "didn't do nothin'!" (gotta love the southern drawl and grammar), but they still gave him that win. He said that he gives that win to the defense and special teams...truer words could not have been spoken. He said that ever since 5th grade he's seen individual trophies and awards handed out, but it's a team effort. He doesn't like the fact that the QB gets awarded the 'W' when he can't do it by himself.

I'm thrilled with the win this weekend to say the least, but like Favre said, "there are still 14 games left to play". I'm cautiously optimistic. If we could get the defense and special teams of last week to get together with the offense of this week then we could be unstoppable, but I haven't seen a season that consistent in my lifetime with the Pack...not even our SuperBowl season in the 90's. Every team has off weeks and this season won't be any different, but in the meantime I'll enjoy the wins as long as they come. This will be a good week of excitement starting out the season 2 and 0, but the momentum can change at any moment. I just hope it doesn't until AFTER Chicago at home on 10/7! Go Pack!!!

ANOTHER FOOTBALL WEEKEND...

Good grief, I love this time of year!

I made the trip to Nashville this weekend to watch my Tide play Vandy. Everyone jumped on the bandwagon and called upset on this one, but it just didn't happen. That being said, we need a TON of work! I went in concerned about our defense and left more concerned with our offense. Wilson didn't set the world on fire. He seems to be ok if he has a lot of time, but if he gets rattled or has to run for his life (which happens way too much) then he's likely to make poor decisions. I also hate the draw plays because he just isn't a fast runner to say the least. Kicking game still concerns me because at best it's inconsistent and that needs to change because the red zone offense isn't better than last year's unfortunately.

I have to say that it is so much fun to watch Andre Smith play. As large as he is (even after losing 19 pounds in the offseason he still logs 340) he is fast. He truly might end up being the best Offensive Lineman to play at Alabama. I would certainly feel good about running behind him...which brings me to Terry Grant. If he can stay healthy (please, God, keep him healthy) then he just might be a Heisman candidate...great freshman talent!

Moving forward with my Pack on Sunday. We squeaked out a win, but apparently my college and pro teams are both going to have red zone offense issues. I'm going to have to get NFL ticket or something...I can't stand not seeing these games, btw. Anyway, I digress, hats off to the defense for containing Westbrook and McNabb, but if our offense doesn't get it together then we're going to have another season like last year if we're lucky. I don't know if I expected anything more than that anyway beginning this season, but I always hold out hope as a fan(atic).

This next Sunday we're going to the Giants and we'll be able to tell a lot more about the Packers with that game and see what they're made of and if they can man up...away from the Lambeau "magic".

The Tide welcome the Hogs to T-town and I'll be there to hopefully pull us through. As good as our defense was this past weekend, they're going to have to be even better to shut down McFadden. Vandy didn't come close to having that type of talent. It will be a line battle and for the love of all that is ESPN I hope that we can win it consistently enough to win this SEC battle in the western division.

As for our in state rivals...sports talk in Birmingham is eaten up with Auburn fans calling for Cox's head on a platter. My question is the same as some other people's that I've heard in response...who else is there? I think he's a head case more than anything...he has the talent. He's not as good as some recent past QBs that Auburn has had, but he has the experience and some talent...he's just a head case from the hits he has been taking. I may be wrong, but that's my opinion.

There are a lot of good weeks ahead in football so I would just caution anyone and everyone to not knee jerk...it's still early.