Well Ok Let's Just Work Backwards

Ok, see I'm just so far behind on this silly old blog that I have no idea where to start. I'm really overwhelmed to tell you the truth but tonight I have a minute or two to try and make a dent. SO, since I'm probably never going to get it all on here like I want let's just start at Christmas and work backwards. This is by no means our whole Christmas experience but it's a start so here we go.........

Christmas came a few days early for our girlies this year because Meme & PawPaw gave the girls their very own trampoline. However, daddy got the wonderful job of putting it together and since there was no way to surprise them he just started putting it together one afternoon. They were thrilled. Poor CP thought Meme had re-gifted and given them the trampoline from Meme & Pawpaw's house. haha....kids are so funny and honest sometimes.

On Christmas Eve we trekked down to Tuscaloosa to have our Hicks Family Christmas gathering. As you can see my girls are right in the middle of all their loot from that day. We loved going to Ttown any ways b/c we always drive by our old house to remind the girls but this year we went down that way for Christmas b/c Aunt Wendy had knee replacement surgery. It's not an easy surgery to recover from but she's doing just fine. All in all it was a great day spent with family.

Santa sure did spoil our girls this year. They were so good he brought a Wii and all kinds of goodies. The big black mat and the rolled up thingy are gym mats that the girls can practice their tumbling and cheerleading on. The girls had asked their daddy for one back in the summer. Funny how Santa just knows these things!!! ;)

As with every year we get these precious shining smiles on Christmas morning. They truly are our blessings and we are so lucky to have such special girls to call our own. The pressures and hustle and bustle of daily life can get hectic and we forget to treasure the things that matter most but I think that's why I love Christmas most. It's all about family!! It's about slowing down and reflecting on our lives and how blessed we are to have each other.

And I think I'll end for today with this lovely shot of everyone trying to figure out the new Wii. Christmas morning pictures are priceless, aren't they? And as you can see, we don't dress up for the occasion either. Why would we, it's just us and that's all that matters! And that concludes the first installment of our Christmas. More to come,,,,,maybe........

Love you all and have a very Happy New Year!! May 2011 be nothing but a blessing to you all!

Merry Christmas to You!!

Merry Auburn Christmas and Happy Tiger New Year to you!!

Seriously, we hope you have a wonderful holiday full of love and laughter!

Happy Ho, Ho, Ho to you!

Cowboys Tumbleweeds Link

Check out my Little Tumbleweeds:

http://www.tumbleweeds2010.blogspot.com/

Cam

From one Cam (the Elf) to another: All the AU family is pulling for you tonight!!

BCS and all...

OK I know I have much catchin up to do but these are the faces of two very happy AU alum that are well on their way to see their Tigers play for the BCS National Championship in Arizona!! We have everything except the most important thing.......the game tickets!! But we're working on that!!

War Eagle to all my beloved Auburn friends and family out there!! What a Christmas present our Tigers gave to us all this year!!

I Know, I Know...

I know, I know...I've lost touch with my blog and it's made me very sad. I have good intentions of catching up but well maybe I'll just have to hit some major highlights for you soon. This is turning out to be the busiest holiday season ever for the Hicks!!!

Don't give up on me yet......;)

A Few Random Shots

So I'll never get caught up if I don't just post some random pictures from the last few months of our lives.

I know this is a horrible photo but my baby girl is in the pink shirt at the microphone during the 2nd grade program. She had a speaking part and did excellent!!!

Here she is waiting on her turn at the mic! They all did such a great job singing their songs. All of my girls still break out in the "High Five Hand Jive" every now and then!

Showing off our "AU Girls Love Aubie" shirts our Meme got for us. They are so cute!! We love anything orange and blue ya know.

Here's one of their bright and shiny faces in case you forgot what they look like! ha!

And here's one from Hat day at school. It's the schools sneaky way of making money. You pay $1.00 then you can wear a hat to school. It's fun for the kidos and the school makes a buck or two! And yes I know CP looks like she's off to play baseball. It was not intentional. It just worked out that way. She'd make a pretty darn cute one don't ya think??

Oh more to come. Don't you worry. I have all kinds of AU shots for you. I know you just can't wait!! And there's Halloween and our First Cheerleading Competition!! Whew, I've got lots of catching up to do! and so is the story of my life......

my Dad

Fall Leaves, Football, Pumpkins & Me

I wrote this about a month ago but I just wasn't ready to share it with the world then. I am now. Tomorrow will be a hard day for me and my family but not nearly as hard as last year nor the year before. More fun and pictures to come soon. I love you all!

This is a time of year that brings with it cooler weather, fall leaves, FOOTBALL, pumpkins and maybe a sense of ease to many. I get that feeling too in the fall. Fall is one of my favorite times of year with Spring being my favorite. However, I find this year that with fall brings a subconscious feeling of let down or maybe just a little melancholy. A long while back I told you guys that this blog was a kind of therapy for me. It truly is. Whether for good light-hearted fun, cherished memories or more serious issues, I find myself satisfied by sharing these with you and self-reflecting on my life. I know most of you are aware my dad passed away almost 2 years ago in October. I really didn’t expect the unexplained emotions that have hit me lately as it’s been long enough that the horrible pain has subsided but then I kinda figured these recent feelings out. I realized I was testy or sad or just plain weepy b/c my own mind/spirit knows me better than I do. Isn’t that crazy how the time of year and the slight changes in season have that great of an affect on me?! I miss my dad daily. I still wish I could see him again or talk to him. I hurt for my girls not growing up with him in their lives. BUT this isn’t a sad, make you cry and feel sorry for me kinda post. It’s really not. I just need an outlet to express how I feel. I feel like sharing with you not only helps me but helps my family (b/c they are the ones who have to deal with me) and maybe if just one of you can relate or take one tiny thing away from this, then God has worked through me to help you too.
I’ve had lots on my mind lately. LOTS! It's not totally centered around my dad so much but just life and all its complexities. I’m amazed at how things can be rockin’-n-rollin’ along and then things shift and that silly old dark cloud comes along and tries to settle over my house and my friends & family. Well Alex & I have made the decision not to focus on those things and put our faith and hope in greater things. When we do that, we cope better with what Satan throws at us and we can live in a more peace-filled and joy-filled life.
I choose not to feel sorry for myself for self pity is for the weak in spirit. And honestly self-pity may be needed at times or even unavoidable but I see it as a sign of losing faith. Faith that has led me through my darkest days and places. Faith in a God that is so much greater than I could ever begin to imagine. So, maybe this post may ramble and it may not even make a lick of sense to you but it does to me and when I look back at it I hope it refreshes me. I hope it helps me cope on those harder days. I hope it helps me see the blessings God has given me.
I want to challenge myself to see the good in all things. I want to challenge myself to praise the God that designed this world and allowed us to love and worship Him. I want to focus my heart on Him and where he leads me and my family. I do feel His presence and peace about me always and so, with this change of Seasons, I challenge you to admire the fall leaves, pumpkins, cooler weather and all it brings with a deep breath of God’s peace and Joy.

"Whatever, Whenever, Wherever, I want to serve God" – that’s a direct quote from someone very near and dear!

Love to all.

Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Psalm 66:1

Hi There

Hi guys. I haven't forgotten you. I've just been busy and had lots on my mind. Maybe I'll share some of it with you soon! Love to all.

I'll get back to bloggin real soon. I promise.

Auburn vs. Clemson Weekend

Yes, I know I'm a game behind but I'll get caught up don't you worry your pretty little heads about it. And I'm not throwing out my AU disclaimer anymore. You should know by now there's gonna be a lot of Orange and Blue. So let's get started. Alex and I headed out for the AU/Clemson game a couple of weekends ago expecting a good game but Whew, what a nail biter it would turn out to be.

Al & I always love to get to AU early and walk around campus and check out anything new. This year we have our brand spanking new Basketball Area. And it's NIICCEE!

Here's a shot of the front of it. It's taking me some getting use to the idea of an arena versus a coliseum however it's much bigger inside than it looks ladies & gents. And also an excellent place to get in out of the 120 degree weather.

I had to get a shot of the score board. This picture does not do it justice at all. It's so pretty with its bright colors (orange & blue of coarse)!


There was some kind of practice or something going on so I caught a shot of that too so you can see the new floor. It should work out to be an excellent addition to the campus. Of coarse there are offices in it but supposedly you can rent out spaces too should the need ever arise.

Most of you know it was ESPN Game Day at AU and might I say this bus sure was an excellent color if I do say so! And I must say Kirk Herbstreit is now one of my favorite announcers. His comments about Auburn made me even more proud to be a Tiger.
If interested the link is here:
http://www.wtvm.com/global/story.asp?s=13174739

Here's a shot from one of AU's most infamous traditions: Tiger Walk. It's where you and a couple thousand of your friends get together to encourage and cheer on the players and coaches as they walk into the stadium. Many try to imitate it but none can duplicate it. It's awesome!

And oh yes, There's our Cam! This guy was holding up this sign while waiting for Tiger Walk. We love all our players but Cameron Newton is just so much fun to watch. I must admit the AU family is quite impressed with him and so are others (even Finebaum likes him)!!

And what's a game day without that fuzzzy feline we all love: Aubie!?!

He draws a crowd no matter where he goes!

There was even a dude up on a tree leading cheers before the players made it down to where we were standing. He was nuts but quite entertaining!

And here's our Auburn Network guys recording the Pre-game radio show. This one's for mom b/c I know she really likes Mr. Stan White. He was quite the QB in his time and now he's quite the radio announcer. Also on that stage should be Rob Bramlett, Quentin Riggins (former AU linebacker), & Paul Ellen. Impressed? Don't be I looked it up. And I don't know who the other dudes are.

Here's me & Donna hanging out before the game. We had on our Navy b/c it was ALL IN/ALL BLUE day. It was great seeing all fans supporting and wearing their navy.

This is a shot of the student section right after we won the game in OT! They even handed out special blue shakers just for this game. It was such a great ending and let me take a moment to mention how impressed Alex and I were with the Clemson fans. They were very courteous and it was a pleasure having them in Auburn.

Me & Al after the game. See those large goofy grins? That's what you get after a long, hot, exhausting Over-Time win in Jordan-Hare Stadium!!

Until Next Time.....

CREED in the ATL

So back in August we headed out on a grown-up adventure to Atlanta with our pals Keith & Donna Strickland. It was an awesome weekend getting to hang out with our friends, see some sights and listen to some of our favorite music!

Here we are waiting on the concert to start. Alex got us these "VIP" seats which was pretty cool. We weren't right at the stage but had our own little box of 6 seats that we got to share with Big Bubba #1 & Big Bubba #2 but they ended up being pretty cool!
Here's our good friends Keith & Donna at the Hard Rock Cafe - 0nly fitting don't you think since we were headed to the concert after our dinner that night?

Skillet (a Christian Rock Band) opened for Creed and they were Awesome! We have several of their songs and really enjoyed watching them. They were very entertaining and great musicians! We even converted Keith to their music(verdict is still out on Donna)!

And here's the man of the hour - Mr. Scott Stapp. I'm no photographer so you'll have to use your imagination to get a good glimpse of him but that voice is amazing to me! Creed probably is my all time favorite band with Daughtry at a close 2nd. This was mine & Al's 3rd time seeing them live and they did not disappoint at all! They still put on an excellent show!

Here's a shot toward the end. If you look close you can see Stapp and Tremonti (guitarist) standing together. With that voice and that talent on the guitar you can't help but get lost in the lyrics and music.

The next day we headed to the World of Coca-Cola. I had not been there in YEARS. Actually I had not been to this location at all. This was the new and improved version. I must say I was impressed and we had a great time learning about my FAVORITE beverage ever!! And folks I'm ready to admit that I'm addicted I must say. Me & my Coke (regular only) meet up every morning to start the day. Forget your coffee. I'm a Coke girl! Only other Coke lovers understand me.

Here's me and my man looking stellar with our Coke 3-D glasses. They have this cute little 3-D movie kinda like at Disney where the seats move and all. It was hilarious! I think I screamed a couple of times like a little girl. Ha!

And check out these two hot babes lounging in the Coke Art Gallery. They don't come any finer than this folks!

And toward the end of your tour you get to try all the wonderful Coke products made across the World. Can't you tell how refreshing this one was that Alex tasted?! Truthfully, some were ok and some were just awful. But that was the fun of it!

I had to throw this last one in. This is where you pick up your free bottle of Coke before you leave to go to the Gift Shop. The sweet little guy who hands you your bag for your bottle asked Keith if he was my dad!!! HAHA!!! Yup, poor Keith! I don't think he looks old enough to be my dad but I'll take it any day!!

Have a great weekend and be expecting another AU post soon.

Yes, It's Here & We've Been Waiting

It's that time again. Ladies & gentlemen here I come again. I consider everyone of you all my friends.....However, if you do not love my Auburn Tigers then you may choose to skip the next few months on this here little ole blog! So there's your warning.

Now for those of you that love me no matter what, let me continue on with the first official AU weekend update. LAST weekend we headed down toward AU to Lake Martin to spend some time with our very dear family friends, the Clemens at their lake house. Alex was in Atlanta working the Nascar race so it was me, Nana and the Hicks Chicks in on this adventure. So, while we were at the lake we did what ya do at the lake.....

We did some boat riding (drivin')


Some more boat drivin' (we start 'em young)


And some more boat drivin'.

Thanks so much to Mr. James for being so patient and trusting my munchkins so much with his boat! They did wonderful. We got a few close up views of the shore line but not too bad.



Caught a cute shot of Ms. Linda and CP having what looks like a pretty interesting conversation.



Then it was on to the event of the weekend! The first AUBURN Home game of the 2010 season. And I'll say it till I die, those are the cutest lil' AU Tigers I've ever seen!


Since Nana and Maggie chose to head out and tour Auburn during the game, only Gracie and CP braved the rather large mass of people to watch the game w/me.

Here's my Clara Paige enjoying the all important Frozen Lemonade to be had at every Auburn football game they attend.

Please notice Gracie showing off their new Tiger Rags t-shirt. I love that place. I could stay for hours but on game day that's not quite possible b/c you are there with as many of your AU bros & sisters they can fit in that place. It ain't that big a place folks.

I must stop here to say that during the game my babies were EXCELLENT! We were squished b/w some very large grown men and my girls didn't complain one time. Also, Gracie Goose was very interested in the game and asked her mama many footballish questions. I'm sure I was quite amusing to the very large grown men sitting by us as my answers probably would have embarrassed Alex but I did the best I could. I love me some football but not so much an expert on the rules and explanations behind it all!

Also, before we headed out that night we ran into one of our fellow Cowboys Tumbleweed Cheerleaders. This is our friend RK. She and her family are as much Orange and Blue as us Hicks are. Me thinks I'm gonna like these new friends.

All in all it was a great first game. As you know, we won by a pretty decent margin. We have lots of work to do but I know my Tigers are up to it. I did take some shots of the game but they weren't good enough to post so I'll leave you with my best attempt at capturing that gorgeous AUBURN sky we in the upper deck were blessed with that night!

War Eagle my friends. Here's to a great season.....

PS- a quick tid bit of info, if you heard that awesome song while waking into the stadium last weekend here's a link to it. I can't get find it to put on my playlist but it's by our very own Travis Williams called "Tiger Walk."
http://widgets.clearspring.com/cscallback/urlexchange/4a37fac83c457251/facebook.html?x=uHH3HfBLpR2gRPAf90n0TvZN7kihTfQZ8Rn3SPcZ8Bj3SvdR9x3wRPJI.kmiRPtM8kvyRA