Thankful: Day 26 & 27

Day 26 & 27

Bubble Baths & Sleep

I have been exhausted for the past two days.  It takes me forever to get in routine after being out of school for a while.  I LOVE my bubble baths...and LOVE my cozy bed just as much (if not more).  And I am so thankful to have both in my home.  These two things should not be taken for granted, because some families don't have either one.

 

Happy Tuesday evening!

 

In case I haven't mentioned it....I am flying to New York in 10 days!!!!!!!

OMG.  I can't stand it any longer!!

I. Am. Ready.

Thankful: Day 25

Day 25

Freedom of Speech

I am very thankful to live in a country where I can say and feel how I please.  So, I am going to vent a little on the blog today {we all have to every now and then, right?}

 

The hubs and I went to the Egg Bowl yesterday.

In Oxford.

The last time I was there was in 2008.

I said I would never go back.

Yesterday, I was reminded why.

 

Let me preface by saying we rode to the game with great friends (who are rebels) and tailgated with them before the game...and they have nothing to do with why I didn't like it there.  They have nothing to do with me writing this blogpost either.  Heck, I didn't even know them when I went in 2008. Thank you to the Rowland's for letting us ride and hang out...we really enjoyed being with yall!

 

And no, it wasn't because we lost.

{both last night & in 2008, 45-0}

 

Maybe it was the snide remark by a rebel fan about Nick Bell and his death.

(who didn't know I was standing beside him and heard him, but he quickly shut his mouth and had no response when I said "He died of cancer.  What's funny about that?")

 

Maybe it was the fact that the seats are very close together and I was sitting by 3 extra large people who took up 5 seats instead of 3 and my friends and I couldn't sit down (not OM's fault I guess).

 

Maybe it was being in a place where I did not feel comfortable.

I mean, do people really want to eat red velvet cake parfaits out of champagne glasses?

 

Or it could have been the old man who after the game said "Well it was our turn.  Yall had it the past 3 years.  It was our turn!"  Like it was a hot wheels toy that we HAD to share.  No, we do not have to share it.  We fight over it year after year and the best team gets to keep it.  A year passes by and we fight over it again.  It is NOT shared!  It just so happens that last night your team was the best.  We will fight over it again in 364 days!  Quit pouting after a win and go get a drink out of one of your two Yeti coolers and tell your daughter that a mini skirt and booties will not keep her warm in 30 degree weather. 

 

I'm not really sure what it was...but I'm 100% sure I won't go back.

 

I DO know that I congratulated several OM fans on their win and I'm not sure if that would have happened if the role was reversed.  Whether we were in Starkville or Oxford.

 

As a wise man once told me...."It's not fun.  It's better if you win - but it's still not fun."

 

I am thankful for my degree from Mississippi State.

I am thankful for my knowledge of football.

I am thankful to have been taught that you win some & you lose some and that football games are never shared.

I am thankful to be a bulldawg!

Thankful: Days 22, 23, 24

So I'm a few days off again...but this post is so cute, it will make up for the missed time.  As I type, I am so thankful that our expectant friends have delivered safe and healthy babies in the past 2 weeks.  I haven't met these sweet babies yet, but thanks to facebook - I have seen their sweet faces!  Don't worry little sweet angels, I'm coming to hug and kiss you soon!

 

Day 22

Henry Maddox Ellison

{born on Nov.13th}

Henry's mom is my best friend from college, Katie!

I am so happy for her and her husband Shane.

I think he's the cutest little turkey ever!

 

Day 23

Lauren Murphy Mattox

{born on Nov.24th}

Big sister Erin and baby sister Lauren!

Lauren's daddy is the head football coach at Booneville High.

Coach Mattox and his wife have been so sweet to Trey & I this year!

 

Day 24

William Elam Flurry

{born on Nov.25th}

Handsome little Elam.

Elam's parents are high school friends of Trey.

We are so happy for the Flurry's and can't wait to meet sweet Elam!

Thankful: Day 21

Day 21

FAMILY RECIPES

I am so thankful for family recipes and for all of the wonderful cooks on both sides of my family. I have learned from the absolute best!! My Granny, Memaw, and Mom taught me how to cook and gave me so many yummy recipes! I am excited to one day share them with my own family. I spent this morning baking pecan pies...a recipe handed down to me from my mom - and I'm pretty sure she got it from my granny. I just smile thinking of how many times this one recipe has been made.

My momma's pecan pie recipe.  Yum-o!

Thankful: Days 13-20

I knew this would happen!

I got busy and excited about Thanksgiving break, and have neglected my blog and thankful posts.  I'm sure all 3 of you who read this are SO upset!!  Hahaha.  So I will try to play catch up and do a quick list of thankfulness...

Day 13:   I am thankful for a reliable car that gets me around NE Mississippi everyday!

Day 14:   I am thankful for Wednesday night meals at my in-laws house.

Day 15:   I am thankful for our nice cozy home that we have made here in Booneville.

Day 16:   I am thankful to have a whole week off for Thanksgiving break!

Day 17:   I am thankful that my parents live in Starkville and that we always have a place to stay when we go to ballgames (or any other time we wanna go to Stark)!

Day 18:   I am thankful for my health.  So far I haven't been sick this school year.  (knock on wood)

Day 19:   I am thankful that my husband helps me out around the house.  Yes, he does the vacuuming and mopping.  I am blessed!

Day 20:   Today, I am thankful for the beautiful weather that God has blessed us with lately.  We went on a walk today and it was absolutely beautiful outside!  It was the perfect setting for a little hubby/wife time on our Thanksgiving break!

Thankful: Day 12

DAY 12

My Brother

Today I am thankful for my big brother Nick.

We've argued, fought, and loved each other for 29 years!

So glad he is my big brother and is always there for me!

Love you Nick!

 

{Kosciusko - 1984}

 

{probably around 1986-87}

{Thanksgiving - 2011}

 

Thankful: Day 11

DAY 11

My PePaw

Today is my PePaw's 80th birthday!  He is the sweetest, kindest man I know.  I am so glad he is my Pepaw and I cherish all the memories we have!  I used to go stay with him and my Memaw all the time as a child and even went to Mountain View, Arkansas with them one summer in their camper.  They loved vacationing there!  I know he misses my Memaw daily (just as I do) and I pray for his strength and health in the days ahead with out her.  I can't believe it's been almost 5 months since she went to heaven.  Please say a special prayer for my sweet PePaw and wish him a Happy Birthday!!!!

 

Thankful: Day 10

DAY 10

Our Military

I am so thankful to live in the United States.

All four of mine and Trey's grandfathers are veterans. 

We are so proud of our families and thankful for all who have served and all who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. 

 

Thankful: Day 9

DAY 9

Friday Night Football

Tonight, the Booneville Blue Devil football season came to an end.

We lost to Byhalia in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

I am so proud of all of the coaches, but of course I am super proud

of husband, Coach Ward!  He worked so hard this season and put his heart

into coaching this team and doing his part.  Congrats to the BHS football team

on a great winning season {9-3}.

I am so thankful for this wonderful sport that has been an important part of my life since birth!

 

Thankful: Day 8

DAY 8

Technology

I am so blessed to work for a school district that realizes how important technology is in today's society.  TPSD provides all teachers and high school students with Apple MacBooks.  Every classroom at Thomas Street Elementary (including Art, Music, and Library) has a Promethean Board.  As if that wasn't enough, each class room has TWO iPads.  I also have 4 desktop computers.  I use all of these components of technology EVERYDAY and now can't imagine teaching any other way!  The kids are engaged and it is fun for both teachers and students!  The students learn SO much with these devices and can work them better than me!  I am amazed everyday at how "tech smart" my 7 year olds are!

 

Thankful: Day 7

DAY 7

My iPhone

It may sound materialistic, but I am thankful everyday for my phone.  I live an hour and a half from my parents and 6 hours from my brother....this is the only way I can communicate with them on a daily basis.  I miss my family so much, and I am glad to be able to afford a cell phone and have the opportunity to call them at anytime!

 



Thankful: Day 6

DAY 6

My Job

Today I am thankful to have a job that I believe God has truly called me to do.

Some days I am tired and worn out....and I don't think I can teach another day!

But tomorrow comes, I get out of bed, and 16 sweet smiling 2nd graders great me bright and early!

They keep me going all day long, and usually do not slow down!  Haha.

But I am thankful to have job, and to have one doing something that I really love.

{I would also like to mention that I am thankful Trey has a job too!}

My job.

Trey's job.
{I don't have a pic of his classroom!  I wish I did!}

 

Thankful: Day 5

DAY 5

Amanda Shafer

Best friends since the 6th grade.

My maid of honor and sister from another mister!

I love this girl more than words can describe

and cannot wait to fly to NYC and see her in 5 weeks!

Thank you Amanda for being my best friend even though

 we are many miles & many hours apart.

 

 

Thankful: Day 4

DAY 4

My sister-in-law Emily.

I have the kindest sister-in-law.

She has welcomed me into the Ward family with lots of love & laughter.

I had to fill in for a friend and do Children's Church this morning,

Emily helped me and I could not have done it without her! 

Thank you Emily for being such a great sister!



Thankful: Day 3

DAY 3

My In-Laws.

I have really awesome in-laws.

We sit together on Friday nights at Trey's ballgames.

They even let me ride with them to the away games!

Today I am so thankful for all they do for Trey and I.

Mrs. Paula & Mr. Bill



30 Days of Thankfulness

I know I am a day late getting started but I have so much to be thankful for and I think this may be a way for me to blog more!  I love my little blog, but lately I feel like I have neglected it.  So, I am rekindling my love for this little outlet of mine and plan to post something I am thankful for every day.

 

DAY 1 

My husband, Trey.

I am thankful everyday that God placed him in my life. 

He supports me, encourages me, and loves me unconditionally.

He takes care of Lilly and spoils her more than I do.

 

DAY 2

My Parents

I am blessed to have the most loving parents in the world.

They have taught me everything I know....from understanding football to knowing how to make homemade cookies to understanding right from wrong and how to make good decisions.

I'm not sure how they did it....but I hope that Trey and I will be great parents one day just like them!

 

** Sorry for the abundance of wedding pictures - I can't stop looking at them. 

I LOVE them and I am so thankful for Jana Berkery & Amanda Jones and their talents!**

iphone picture dump

I realized this morning that I have not plugged my iPhone into my computer (to transfer pictures) since before our wedding in July!!  I have had 452 pictures on my phone!  WHAT in the world?  So I plugged up my laptop, transferred the pics, and realized a lot has been happening in our lives....which is probably why I haven't been blogging very much!  I love this blog, and love sharing our "happenings" with our friends and family that are not near us - so, I am going to update you through pictures! 

Blake and Lara Beth got married in August.  Can't believe I forgot to mention them on the blog!
Congrats B & LB!  (please ignore the fan blowing my dress and making me look like a rhino!)

Putnam, Briley and Trey at the Manley wedding reception.

These sweet girls keep me entertained daily!

These silly boys keep me on my toes everyday at school!

 



We love our MSU dawgs!

Monday nights = Middle School football games.

 

My coach giving his post-game pep talk to his 7th grade team!

 

 

Friday nights = Booneville Blue Devil football!

Me & my Coach after our Homecoming WIN over Alcorn Central!

Tailgating in Starkville with the Manley's @ the MSU vs. Tenn game!
Hail State! 

Lilly turned 7 years old on Wednesday, Oct. 17th!
Happy Birthday sweet girl!

I've been wanting a pin to wear to the football games, but Coach wasn't crazy about me putting his picture on the pin....so, I used the MCWA slogan instead!  I love it and LOVE SUPPORTING my coach!

Friday was our last regular season home game = Senior Night!  Congrats to these senior football players!
We beat Ripley 33-28 in a game that came down to the last play!  Those of you who know me...yes, I was a nervous wreck.  Yes, I left my seat & purse on the top row where I sit because I had to run down to the front row and cheer extra loud for our defense!!  The guys played hard and as a TEAM! 
We are now 7-2 on the season and UNDEFEATED in Division 1-3A play!

 

Coach Ward and his two senior linemen - Ross Smith #79 and Daniel Hill #65!
I am so proud of yall! 
Ross made the 2012 MHSAA North/South All-Star team! 
We are so proud of you Ross & can't wait to travel to Gulfport and cheer you and the North team to victory!
Next Friday we are on the road at Belmont.  Wish us luck!  One more division game before PLAYOFFS! 

 

Fall Update

Wow!  What a busy time of year!  I have always known that football season comes with a full schedule, but never had to really live it until now, as a coaches wife.  I am enjoying all of the high school Blue Devil games, as well as the junior high and JV games!  Add on another "Meet the Jr. Blue Devils" night and all my paperwork from school and you get one tired teacher girl!  Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining at ALL!  I wouldn't have it any other way....because this is the only way I know!  Growing up with my daddy being a coach, I am very much used to being on the go from August - December.  But I didn't realize how much my Mom did to make things run and stay stable at home.  It's only me and my coach right now, and I can't begin to imagine what life would be like if little ones were running around!  I think I am figuring it out well and by the time we have a little family, maybe I will have it all figured out!  (but doubt it)  :)

I am so proud of my coach!

Last night was an open date for Booneville, so Trey went to scout an upcoming opponet.  I met up with his sister Emily and we went to Corinth to eat dinner with Trey's parents....which means I got to eat dinner with these two precious girls!

Look how much they have grown since the wedding!!

They were so sweet and the food was amazing!! 

If you haven't eaten at Pizza Grocery in Corinth, you are missing out!

 

In other news, one of my very best friends from West Point lost her father a little over a week ago.  I went to the funeral last Saturday and cannot express in words how I was touched by his service.  She and her sister sang at the service and it was unbelievable.  Not a dry eye in the place.  The words from the song "That I Could Still Be Free" were so touching:

 

Lock me up in a prison
And throw away the key
Take away the vision
From these eyes that now, now can see
Then deprive me of the food I eat
And even bind my hands and feet
For as long as I know Jesus
I can still go free

That I could still go free
What kind of man would reach down his hand and do this for me
Unworthy to live and not fit to kill
Yet a man on the cross put me in His will
And said that I could still go free

 

To hear those talented women sing at their sweet daddy's memorial service, was so touching and I am so blessed and thankful to have a friend like LeeAnn.  She is truly one of a kind!

"Each of us will be a blessing to the other."  Romans 1:12



Go Big Blue!

The first game of high school football season was this past Friday and the Booneville Blue Devils beat Walnut 35-15!  I am so proud of Trey and all the coaches and players for putting in hard work this summer and at practice after school - and I want to congratulate them on their first win of the season!  We had a great crowd - I am so glad the rain didn't keep everyone at home.  This picture was taken Monday night at "At Meet the Devils".  I am slowly getting used to wearing blue...I actually had to go shopping because I do not own anything blue!!  Haha.  I absolutely LOVE this picture and and will frame it along side the one below, which was taken at the beginning of football season last year!

I know I mentioned this on my last post...but I am so proud of my coach and the things he is doing for the community of Booneville!  I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

- Leslie

Happily Ever After!

A few pictures from our BIG DAY!

My something old...
lace from my mom's veil wrapped around my bouquet and my Memaw's wedding band.

My sweet littlest flower girl Mary Ellis! 
She was such an angel and did a great job!

Sneaking up on my groom for our first look!

Me and Daddy



Mr. and Mrs. Trey Ward

So happy and beyond blessed!

It has been way too long since my last blog post but married life has me incredibly busy.  Our wedding day was so perfect.  I know everyone always says that, but July 21st could not have been any sweeter.  Our family and friends came to Starkville and celebrated this wonderful part of our lives.  My mother and two of my aunts worked their fannies off decorating the Bryan Building and my gorgeous cake!  It was a family affair for the Brett's and the Ward's and we would not have had it any other way.  We are slowly getting adjusted to married life, 2 new jobs, a new home, and unpacking all of our (but mostly mine) stuff!

Speaking of jobs, my new job at Thomas Street Elementary is so wonderful!  Everyone is so nice and welcoming.  I am always being offered help and of course I take it!!!  I am teaching 2nd grade, which is a huge difference from Kindergarten & PreK.  The kids have been so sweet and are SO FUNNY!  They tell me all the time that they love me and that I'm so pretty...and I get about 25 hugs a day (and I only have 16 students).  They have made me feel welcome at TSE too!  I have a lot to learn, but I'm very excited about this school year and all that we will do.  Trey started teaching at Booneville High School this week!  He is teaching Mississippi Studies and Economics.  He is doing a great job on and off the field!

Speaking of fields, my favorite season begins a week from today!  Booneville High kicks off the 2012 season with a home game vs. Walnut.  The guys have been practicing hard and are going to play great!  I have been to a few practices (I tell Trey that I come by to make sure they are doing what they are supposed to do!) and Trey is having a ball out there coaching his O line.  I am so proud of him and the impression/impact he is making on these young men's lives.  At the scrimmage last Saturday, I had a mother of one of Trey's players come up to me and introduce herself.  She wanted to meet me and also said she wanted to tell me how much her son loves Coach Ward and enjoys his time at practice.  Her son was having trouble with a certain technique, but was scared to ask anyone for help.  She told him to talk to Coach Ward about it and he decided to do so.  Long story short, the young man asked Trey to help him and to teach him the correct way to do the technique.....and Trey did - and was more than happy to help him.  After the mother told me all of this, I was grinning ear to ear.  The next practice I was at, I met a Dad who said his son "sings Trey's praises" and is so pumped that Trey is his coach.  Today I talked to our new insurance agent and he said that he has heard from several parents that Trey is doing a great job and the guys are really enjoying him.  I have never been more proud in my life.  My husband is making a difference in the lives of young men...and we haven't even played a game yet.  I am so proud of "my coach" and can't wait to cheer him on this season!  Go Blue Devils!

I hope that all of you have a wonderful and blessed weekend!
Leslie

wish list wednesday

My wish list for this week:

#1:  I wish that I didn't miss these sweet faces so much!  I can't believe they will be starting Kindergarten very soon!

#2:  I wish my house would miraculously pack itself in  boxes and be in our apartment in Booneville when we return from our honeymoon!  (not happening)

#3:  I wish and pray for safe travels of those driving/flying to Starkville for our wedding weekend, beginning tomorrow!  I can't believe the time is here, but I am so excited to see all of mine and Trey's friends, family members, and co-workers all at the same time!

#4:  I wish for the next three days to be full of laughter, fun, tears, dancing & picture taking!

#5:  My last wish is that my new school district's school board approves my employment so I can officially tell everyone about my new job that I am BEYOND EXCITED about!!!!  (and that starts 4 days after coming back from the honeymoon)

Throwback Thursday

Summer 2010
One of our first pictures together!

Mississippi Coaches Wives Association

"This organization is meant to minister, share, laugh, cry with and encourage other women who have dedicated their lives to the gridiron - or any other field or court - in support of their husbands calling. Join with me as we grow in what God has called us to - "a helper fit for him" (Gen. 2:18) - the very important role known as "the coach's wife". - Carrie Cook

This morning I rode with Ashley (teacher friend & coaches wife from West Point) to Jackson to attend the 1st Annual Sterling Rose Brunch put on by the Mississippi Coaches Wives Association (MCWA).  A super sweet coaches wife named Carrie Cook had a vision several months ago to start this wonderful organization.  I found out about it on facebook, and instantly knew that I had to go.  I was a little nervous because technically I'm not a wife yet, but figured that since I will be a coaches wife in 10 days that it would be okay for me to attend.....and I am SO GLAD that I did.

Talk about encouraging!  We had four wonderful speakers. 

But the most touching of all was Ron Price.

As many of you know, New Albany's head football coach Ron Price lost his wife earlier this year.  While holding his 5 year old daughter, he spoke to us at the brunch this morning.  I was so touched by the way he talked about her and how she lived her life for the Lord and how she supported and loved her husband and her coach.  The entire New Albany football staff and their wives were also at the event.  Amanda's parents were there.  It was truly a special time for them and for coaches wives from around the state.  I learned a lot today.  I am blessed to be given this job as "coaches wife".  It's not for everyone, but it is for me.  Why "sterling rose" you may ask?  Because as a coaches wife, you have to be as strong as sterling while also being as delicate as a rose. 

If you are reading this and you are a coaches wife and haven't heard about this great organization, please visit Carrie's blog - Mission Gridiron and I promise you will be touched just as I was.

And if you want a super cute shirt like the one I got, you can order them on her blog!

MCWA Tshirt

Have a blessed week! - Leslie

July is here already?

Long time no write!  Haha!

I have been super busy and as much as I love blogging, I just have not had the time.  I can not believe July is already here!  I went to Booneville for the fourth and celebrated with the Ward clan.  Booneville has an annual Fourth of July parade and it's always a ton of fun.  People ride in pretty much anything that has wheels and throw candy to folks like me who are sweating, sitting in a chair in the yard!  Here are a few pics from the parade!

Coach Ward's American flag

Some people ride in gators or firetrucks...

Some folks ride in a golf cart
(the Ward grandgirls)

Some people even ride in their trucks and pull people riding in a boat!!!

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I came home Thursday and began the wild adventure of packing my little "villa" and packing wedding gifts and dinnerware that were at my parents house.....for the big move to Booneville!  Trey and I both agreed a few months ago that we wanted to be moved in before the wedding...well, I think we got the majority of it done on Saturday!  We loaded my car, my parent's suburban, and Trey's truck (and trailer) and drove to Booneville.  I am so thankful for my parent's help and the help of some strong boys in Booneville!!  It couldn't have gone any smoother.  All boxes were unpacked and everything (pretty much) put away by 6:00 that evening.  I still have some more things to move, but all of the big stuff and furniture is in our new home in Booneville!

Loaded up & ready to ride!

The LONGEST hour and a half in my life!!!
Had to stare at this the whole way and make sure nothing fell off!!!!

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Tomorrow is Monday, July 9th and that means there are only 12 more days until I become a wife, a sister-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and a granddaughter-in-law!

Trey and I are truly blessed.

Hail State!