Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy thanksgiving everyone! I know it has been such a long long time since I have updated the blog, but life has been super busy! To update on the football season, the Trojans did make it to the second round of the playoffs before losing to Davidson Academy. Great season Trojans! So proud of yall! I am working today, tomorrow, and Friday, so we celebrated thanksgiving Saturday with the family! Ben and I will have a little thanksgiving dinner ourselves after I get off work tomorrow! I am so blessed to have such a great family, sweet friends, and a good job. I am so thankful for everything that the Lord has blessed me with, and we wish you all a very happy thanksgiving!

Trojans are going to the PLAYOFFS :)

Hello fellow bloggers! I cannot believe that it has been so long since my last update! And I cannot believe it is NOVEMBER! I am just loving this fall weather and all of the feelings that come with the fall season! And I am getting so excited for Christmas! Ben and I have been super busy with work, school, and football! One big update is that the SBEC Trojans are headed to the playoffs :) yayyyyyy!!! We will be playing in the first round of the playoffs tomorrow night and I could not be prouder of the boys and coaches! Will keep you posted!

life is tough, God is good

A couple of months ago, my pastor encouraged our congregation to come up with a six word phrase that sums up who you are and what your life is about. He shared his with us, and it goes something like this (but he added a few words to his)- "Life is tough, God is good, we are all going to make it!" And I have somewhat adopted it for my life. I just recently moved to the day shift at work. It has been a tough change in some ways, but awesome in other ways. I feel that mine and Ben's relationship is better than it has ever been. It is so nice to get to see him every day! I am so thankful for that. As many of you know, I also work as a pediatric ICU nurse. It is such a rewarding and tough job all at the same time. The sweet smiles and perserverance of the children I work with every day is what keeps me going back, along with the great nurses that work with me! I just wasn't having a very good week, with work and school overwhelming me, and then I went on a walk this morning. I listened to K-love while I walked and I just felt God reminding me that even when life is tough, He is always good! I have am so thankful for my sweet husband, family, friends, and the unfailing love of Our Father!

Everyone have a blessed day :)
ET

the beginning of fall

Hello friends! Well, it is starting to fell like fall! I am so loving this weather! Friday night, SBEC played St. G. for homecoming. It was such a good game, but such a heartbreaker! We lost 16-10 in OT. But, I am very proud of the team and the coaches because the team is playing better and better every week! Ben and I had such a relaxing weekend, and it was so nice just to lay around, watch football, and not do any homework! But, now I am back to reality today, working ahead on homework and studying for tests, boo.

With the cooler nights finally here, I have another great recipe to share! Last night I made this chicken taco chili for the first time, and we both loved it. Such a great soup for the fall weather!

Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
Servings: 10 / Prep time: 5 min :) / Cals: 202 / 4 weigh watcher pts

1 onion chopped
1 (16 oz) can kidney beans
1 (16 oz) can black beans
1 (8oz) can tomato sauce
10 oz pack of frozen corn
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with chiles
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
24 oz (3) boneless skinless chicken breasts

Combine beans, onion, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, and taco seasoning in slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hrs or high for 6 hrs. Half hr before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return it to slow cooker and stir in. Top it with low fat sour cream and cheese. I also serve mine with fritos! YUMMMM

Happy Fall Yall!
ET

new recipes!

Yesterday was Ben's birthday, and unfortunately I had to work, but we did make a run for some mexican food when he got home last night to celebrate! I am really starting to get used to working the day shift, and I am loving being at home at night with Benny! Now that I am on a more normal schedule, I am starting to cook more. It has taken me a while to get the cooking bug, and I am slowly learning how to cook from my sweet mother and friends who are constantly giving me great ideas, recipes, and websites! Thank you all! Here is one website that a friend at work told me about that gives you great recipes that are actually low fat! www.skinnytaste.com. I have made the White Bean Turkey Chili and it is so good, and even better the next day!

White Bean Turkey Chili
Prep time: 45 min
Servings: 12
4 weight watcher points

-cooking spray
-2 small onions, chopped
-5 garlic cloves
-2 tsp chili powder
-1 bay leaf
-1/2 tbsp cumin
-1/2 tbsp oregano
-2 tsp red pepper flakes
-3 lbs ground turkey
-4 (16 oz) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
-2 cups fat free chicken broth
-1/2 cup fat free sour cream

Heat large pot over flame, spray oil in pot. Add onions, garlic, saute 5 min. Add meat and cook until turkey is white (abt 5 min). Add salt, chili powder, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes and cook 2 min. Add beans, broth, cook uncovered for 10 min. Lower heat and simmer, covered, for 45 min mixing occassionally. Add sour cream and cook 5 more min. Add salt and pepper to taste.

YUMMY! Happy cooking!

ET

game #5 and tigers game!

Hello fellow bloggers! This weekend has been super busy, but so fun! I feel like I say that every time I get on here, but sometimes it just feels like this time of the year just never slows down! The game on friday night was very fun. It was the first time that both my parents were able to come and I thoroughly enjoyed watching some football with them! We won our game against Bishop Byrne, and this week is homecoming! Should be so fun :) Saturday, I enjoyed some coffee with one of my best friends, Danielle, and spent some quality time with family before heading to the Tiger game! We had such a good time. The new tiger lane adds so much to the "college feel" of tailgating. AND to top it all off, memphis WON!!!! We had so much fun watching some football together and getting a win out of the process!

{Go TIGERS Go!!}

ET

life this week and game #4

This week has been pretty busy! I am really starting to get into school work, and I am trying to get into the routine of working the day shift at work. So, needless to say, this week has been pretty rough for me and I am so glad that it is Saturday! I am taking a true day off from school and work, watching football, and catching up on some quality time with Ben :) I am enjoying day shift, but it is just a different pace. On another note, the Trojans got a win last night over the Fayette Academy Vikings! I don't have any pictures because I still do not have a camera that works :( but it was a good game! And afterwards, we went over to Family S.'s house for a get-together of SBEC families and coaches. It was so fun to share food and fellowship together and to met some new families and players! Great night!

Happy "Football Watching" Everyone!

ET

game #3 and labor day weekend

Sorry I am just now posting about the game on friday night, but it has been a busy weekend! The SBEC Trojans played the ECS Eagles friday night, and unfortunately we lost :( but it was fun to see all of our friends who are still at ECS. And, I was so busy watching the game and visiting with friends that I did not take any pictures!!!! AHH! So sad. Also, I may not be posting any pictures for a while because I accidentally dropped my camera and broke the flash....so until I get a new camera, I will be posting pics from other people or blurry pics!



Yesterday, I got to stay with sweet Hudson Butler all day! What a cutie! We had such a fun day.

{Happy Hudson!}

Ben and I also watched the Memphis game with our friends Blake and Allison, which was very fun and relaxing, even though we got beat pretty badly. But we still LOVE our TIGERS! Today, Ben and I have been working around the house, and catching up on some quality time together :) Homework has been keeping me pretty busy on my days off, but I keep trying to tell myself that it will all pay off in the end. There is a small light at the end of the tunnel! Haha, anyways everyone have a fabulous labor day weekend!

ET

Sweet Virginia Kate!

Yesterday was a very special day as it was Virginia Kate's birth day! Our great friends Sam and Sheley Taras are the proud parents and I am so happy for their sweet family! I went to visit them today, and everyone is healthy and doing well! What a blessing!

{Virginia Kate and I at the hospital}

game #2

Hello fellow bloggers! Friday night was a beautiful night for high school football =the SBEC Trojans vs the JCS Eagles in Jackson, TN. There was not a cloud in the sky all day, and the temperature was in the mid 70s by the end of the game. The humidity was like gone! It was great. Unfortunately, the trojans lost 35-23, but it was still a great time. Here are a few pics of the game!

I didn't manage to get a picture of me and Ben, will definitely get one next week when we play ECS, both mine and Ben's alma mater. On another note, I am starting school tomorrow :( so my life will be a little busier once again. I have thoroughly enjoyed these past 2 1/2 weeks off! Anyways, ya'll have a good week!

ET

friday night lights

Football season officially started last night as the SBEC Trojans took on the TRA Rebels last night! It was my first game at SBEC, and I had no idea what to expect. But, it really was so great! I had such a fun time watching the game with family and meeting new friends. And we came out with a win! Congrats Trojans! 1-0! Looking forward to a great season!

{SBEC Trojans 14-TRA Rebels 7}

{Meeting up after the game, we are the team in blue}

{Meeting in the endzone after the win}

{Me and Ben after the game, looking a little sweaty! It was so hot!!}

mallory and andrew's wedding festivities

Last night two of our good friends, Mallory and Andrew, got married! Mallory and Ben are both only children, and they were like brother and sister growing up. And Ben lived with Andrew and Chuck for a few years right before we got married. So, needless to say, it was very special to be a part of their special day!

{At the Rehearsal Dinner}

{Steel Magnolia's Groom Cake, SOO cute!}

{The wedding cake display! or should I say cupcake display!}

{The happy couple arriving at the reception}

{Ben and I at the reception}

{Me and my good friend Alexis! So fun}

Congratulations Mallory and Andrew! We love you both and wish you both the very best!

a few of my favorite things.....

As the fall season is approaching, I thought I would take the time to mention a few of my favorite things about this wonderful season.

1. I love friday night football games! This year will be a little different in that I will be at SBEC on friday nights, but I am looking forward to all that high school football on a fall friday night brings!

2. I love going to Memphis football games with family and friends! Gotta say, I do miss the Big Orange and the Power T, but going to Memphis games are great fun as well! And after being a graduate of Memphis, I have to cheer for them!!!

3. I love the leaves changing colors.

4. I love the smell of pumpkin spice candles, pumpkin spice lattes from starbucks, and pumpkin bread in the oven!

5. I love wearing jeans and cowboy boots.

6. I love going to the local craft fairs and festivals.

Just a few things I am looking forward to in the upcoming weeks!

ET

two-a-days

My life as a football coach's wife has officially started for the season as two-a-days began this week. Ben is loving being back in the coaching routine and working with DC, and I have been trying to keep myself busy while he is so consumed with football. Along with work and school, I have started blogging :) , cooking, and running again in my spare time! I must admit, as much as I LOVE summertime, I am getting pretty ready for football season! It never fails, I always get antsy once the first week in August rolls around, and after my recent Friday Night Lights obsession, I am very ready this year. There has been a lot of change around here the past couple of months, but I know it is going to be a good season. Go Trojans!

Forever Young Gala

Last night, Ben and I attended the Forever Young Gala and Auction to raise money to send WWII veterans to see the memorial honoring their service in Washington, D.C. This organization is very dear to my mother, and she has been raising money ever since she went on the very first trip with my grandfather, Clyde Thomas May, Sr. in the fall of 2009. It was so special to see all of the men that have served for our country come together and to see their wishes fulfilled by the Forever Young Organization, started by Diane Hight and her husband Greg. We had such a fun time visiting family and friends at the event, all while enjoying a special dinner and raising money to help send two more groups to D.C. this fall! There was even a swing band there to top off the evening! We had a blast!

{Ben and I before dinner}

{Papaw with his girls!}

{My papaw, Clyde Thomas May, Sr. standing for as they play the Navy song. He served on the U.S.S. Dewey that survived a near fatal typhoon at sea.}

{Ben and I posing for a quick pic as they wrap up the auction!}

THANK YOU FOREVER YOUNG FOR ALL YOU DO IN MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE FOR OUR VETERANS!!!!!!!!!!!

puppy love :)

A couple of months ago, Ben and I decided to get a new puppy. Now, we already had a black lab at the time. His name is Dungy, and he is 3 years old. He sure can be rowdy at times, but he is a sweet dog. Our new puppy, Allie, is a miniature goldendoodle, which means she should only grow to about 20-25 lbs. She is too cute! She can also be a handful at times, but it has been nice to have her around when I am at home during the day! She is definitely my little companion! Here are a few pics of them!

{Dungy sitting like a good boy!}

{Allie and I right after we drove 6 hrs to get her!}

{Sweet Allie girl!}

life lately

So...I have finally joined the blogging world! I am not very technologically savvy, so it has definitely taken me some time to figure this whole thing out (and I will probably continue trying to figure it out for a while). Needless to say, there have been quite a few changes in our lives over the past couple of months. To start, Ben recently accepted a job at SBEC where he will be a football assistant and the defensive coordinator. One of our good friends, David Carter is the head football coach there now. I am so excited that I have someone to go to the games with (aka Shannon Carter!). Ben has been working there all summer and is truly enjoying it! I am personally one that hates change, but I know that it is a part of life. We are definitely going to miss our ECS family, but I know that this is where the Lord wants us at this time in our lives.


As for me, I am still working as a nurse and working on my nurse practitioner degree part time. It keeps me pretty busy, but I know that it will be totally worth it in just a few short years :) that's what i keep telling myself anyway! I always think that things are going to slow down in the summer, and then I wonder where all the time went! These are just few pics from our summer trip to the beach with the family :)

{Ben and I on the balcony before dinner at Lambert's, YUM}

{My cousin Ashleigh and I on the ferris wheel}

{Ben and I before dinner}

{Ben catching a "throwed roll" at lambert's}

{My sister Anna, me, Ben, and Ashleigh}

{My aunt Mary Jane and cousin Ashleigh}

{The whole fam at the beach}