GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING.....HEAD OUT TO OHIO!!

That's right.... I did it!!!! The boys and I drove to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with family. While we usually spend Thanksgiving with my immediate family (mom, dad, brother, etc..), we drove the 11 hour trip out to Cincinnati this year! I missed my family back home, but boy oh boy, what a sense of accomplishment. Since we all were in school on Tuesday, we stopped over night in Hagerstown Tuesday night and then made the rest of the drive Wed. I must say that I am so proud of my boys for being great riders in the car and just enjoying the scenery and singing songs together. They didn't have gameboys, toys, or even a working dvd player and they were just fine. Only had to raise my voice a few times.... other than that, GREAT trip!

Finally got to see 2 new additions to the Martin family ( Madeline and Kyle). Maddy just turned 1 the day before we arrived and Kyle is just 9 months. Beautiful children. Stayed with my cousin and her family and the boys and I felt right at home. Although we were only there for really 2 1/2 days, it was well worth the trip. The boys and I had a GREAT time, we just wished we lived closer. Turkey Day was spent with family and Friday we went downtown Cincinnati to ice skate, take a carriage ride, and go thru a famous display of trains (decorated for the holidays). Friday night was a surprise party for my cousin's sister in-law. Had a blast just having a few beers (knowing I had an 11 hour drive the next day) and talking to people I never met before. Had a blast playing a game us Marylanders would consider close to horseshoes.... but it was called corn hole. Huge game out there and it was fun to play. Steve ( my cousin's hubby) should be making me a set in Redskin colors.

All in all, it was a great way to spend the holiday. Today it's unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, and of course football. I will say that this trip had me anxious at first. Knowing that I was responsible for all three of us driving 11 hours thru mountains and jumping deer..... but I did it! Hopefully my boys can see that sense of responsibility and pride and realize that we are a great family of three. After Jody died, my security and Austin's were shattered (Collin was too little). Hopefully, little by little, they are gaining it back like me.

THE GULLS WILL NEST.... WHILE THE MULES CONTINUE IN THE DIVISION 3 PLAYOFFS!

What a game to watch!!! Nov. 17th at 12:00, the Salisbury Seagulls had to migrate up to Scotty Wood Stadium in Pa. to take on the Mules. The boys and I drove up Friday night and stayed with Coach Knarr ( Uncle Jeff to us ), Katie, and cousins... Megan, and Jake. The funny part is that all season long a good friend of mine and I were talking how cool it would be if the Mules faced off against our hometown team.... Salisbury. Even though I graduated from Salisbury (which is a great college), my loyalty was with family. Having watched Jeff thru the years move up from high school football coach to coaching at Muhlenberg College has been exciting. This is one person who always knew what he wanted to do and does it well.... very well!!
Back to the game! Mules came out with the drive to win this football game. I believe they were up 21 to 6 at one point. The first half of the game was the best from the Mules offense. However, their defense remained strong the entire time, which in my opinion helped win the game. After half time the Gulls came out and tied up the score and the stadium was quite taken back. The defense from the Mules took charge and caused 3 ( I think) turnovers, which allowed a 31 to 21 VICTORY over the Gulls. Mules will now travel next weekend to Dover to play Wesley College for game 2 in the NCAA championship playoffs.
Muhlenberg players, and coaches should be commended for all their hard work and dedication to the game of football. Also, the families of all the coaches who sacrifice so much to support their spouse. Many don't realize, but football started the first week in August. Coaches at Muhlenberg work, work, and work. There is much to be said for the wives of the coaches at Muhlenberg. Not only are they supporting their husband but also raising a family alone much of the time. So my hat goes off to EVERYONE!!!!! Job well done, and best wishes to you all when you come and play Wesley. GO MULES!!!!!!!!!

COOL PICS!!!!

Here are some pics from the Skins vs. Arizona game that I went to with a friend. Game was great and it was nice to kick back and relax and watch the Skins pull off another win (although it came down to the last few seconds). Tried to get as many pics of COOOLEY for my friend Amanda... as well as me! Notice the rear shot Amanda....just for you!!! Cool part was getting a picture of all the Redskins cheerleaders for my boys. Just had to spin a wheel and you received whatever it landed on. I talked to the guy in charge and asked if it could (with his help) land of the poster. After he realized I had 2 boys at home that would just love the poster.... he made sure it stopped on it. Great day, great time, and I thank my friend so much for inviting me.