Wednesday, July 14, 2010

A GREAT READ and SOME NEWS

I have spent the evening watching the RED CARPET and then the ESPYS, hoping that maybe my boy would make an announcement. Instead he gave the most gut wrenching beautiful award of the evening. I did not know the story of Coach Ed Thomas but I know there was not a dry eye in the Nokia theater nor one in our house when the video ended. I am sure you can google it if you missed it...Coach Ed Thomas. What an amazing family with a story of supernatural forgiveness. I want to read more about it. Brett's Dad was a high school football coach at a small high school in Mississippi,so he was the perfect person to present the award.
WHEN Brett WON PLAY OF THE YEAR, that AMAZING, YOU HAVE GOT BE KIDDING PASS to GREG LEWIS, he had a PERFECT opportunity to say "I'll be back", but as my husband said, that's not Brett to take the focus off the awards...I know that opens me up for some differing opinions. Truth is most of you probably do not care. I have told you before I am a FOOTBALL ADDICT! And I am not looking for any drugs to control the addiction. Some of you COOK, I watch FOOTBALL! Some of you understand recipes, I understand football...well as much as any woman. I think it's fun that we like blogs that have nothing to do with our own loves. I love reading about all you GREAT COOKS, GREAT GARDENERS, GREAT PROJECTS DOERS (not sure that's a word) YOU DO BIG PROJECTS FROM PRACTICALLY NOTHING, and GREAT BLOGGERS...I am non of these. My only claim to fame is GRAMMY...and maybe a few Christmas trees.

I am reading the best book, actually thought I would finish it last night, but had two littles spending the night. It was just released yesterday and I have not been able to put it down...I am going to stay up until I finish it tonight. It is Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy's story! In A HEARTBEAT
This is the story of the family that THE BLIND SIDE was taken from. That was the movie version, this is the whys and how it happened. This just adds their story of how THE BLIND SIDE really happened. They are now close friends with Sandy (Sandra Bullock) and Tim and Faith.....
I knew I loved Leigh Anne from the interviews back when the movie was in the theaters...Oh, I love her so much more now. She is this gutsy southern woman, owner of an interior design business, full of passion and determined to right wrongs anywhere she can. By the way she does not cook either!The story of Michael Oher grabbed my heart from the first time I ever heard it, long before the movie was released. Being married to a football coach for so many years, I saw so many Michael's! Many that I passed by as I was raising my own kids. Someday I will tell you my husbands story, but he was a ward of the county and adopted by his Junior High COACH when he was 14! Who adopts a 14 year old kid that has been through 20 foster homes and lived on the streets? He did not go on to play professional football, but he did get a scholarship to play football at the University of Arkansas which enabled him to get a college degree plus his Masters Degree. It's a story that is so personal that it's really hard for me to tell. But as many times as I looked away from Michael's or Jack's, my husband always reached out to them. He knew what it was to be that kid with no direction, no family, no purpose. That has defined him everyday of his life since. My son was over today and I was telling him about the book and he said, you know that's really Dad's story too. And he is RIGHT.

I wonder how many Michael's we pass by everyday. This book will make you think and for me it makes me want to act. I want to notice the Michael's, the people that look different, the down and out.
I really do want to make a difference! I want my KIDS to make a DIFFERENCE! I WANT MY LITTLES to GROW UP and MAKE a DIFFERENCE in this WORLD! GOD ONLY KNOWS we NEED DIFFERENCE MAKERS in this WORLD!
Here's the good news! I am going to give a COPY of the BOOK AWAY! I have told you that books are another addiction of mine. Did you realize you are reading an ADDICTS BLOG? I had this thought today....actually I have lots of thoughts everyday, but few worth sharing...It will be about six weeks before I start Christmas posts on my HOLIDAY BLOG! So until THEN, I am going to GIVEAWAY BOOKS and maybe other things on THAT BLOG. That's a GOOD THING for you. I am going to continue documenting life on this one, but you can LOOK FOR MANY GIVEAWAYS on the other blog...MAYBE one a day...I am very convicted that every book shelf in my house and about fifty other places are spilling out GREAT BOOKS. SO I am going to PASS THEM ON.

TODAY was a GREAT DAY. I had all 4 of my LITTLE MEN here at the SAME TIME. (and did not take one picture) Someone hacked into Parker's FB account and I was so MAD and trying to get his password changed..that I forgot the camera. We monitor him so closely and all know his password, and he was so upset, that it would have not been SAFE for the person who did it to be anywhere near me or his MOM. Amanda is determined to find out who it was and I would hate to be them. On a more fun note, I got my hair stylist to put some hi-lights in his hair yesterday...He looks SO CUTE...will post a picture later this week.

I cannot end this post without asking you to continue to pray for ASHLEY ADAMS. THINGS HAVE REALLY BECOME WORSE TODAY. They took her to surgery but really all news is bad news. Tonight I am praying for HOPE and PEACE for Trish and Dave and their other kids. I probably check her site once an hour. I think Trish's blog is the blog I have read the longest. HER little ASHLEY NEEDS A MIRACLE TONIGHT!

AND I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE A SHORT POST...SORRY...EASY WAY to win the BOOK....Just leave a comment...maybe tell me your favorite football player if you like the game. Parker will DRAW on Sunday...And if you have won a recent prize on one of the blogs, I am planning to ship Friday.


60 comments:

Paige said...

I totally get it--the love of football. I am a basketball fanatic--college ball specifically. My mom was a bball coach and my dad played pro football, so sports are in my blood. March Madness shuts me flat down every year...it is like a holy time in our world


I get it

Kay said...

I love football, basketball, baseball and many other sports. Can't say I have a real favorite player these days. I mostly follow college football and those change frequently. I'm a Kansas grad and mom to OSU grad so mostly follow the Big 12.

Bacardi Mama said...

I love football too, but I lean more to college football. Notre Dame to be exact. If I had to pick a favorite pro player, it might have to be Jack Cutler. I went to school with his dad, so he's a home town boy playing for a semi local team. Go Bears!

Andrea said...

My sister LOVEs football...I am clueless.
Hugs,
andrea

Unknown said...

not so much a football fan but followed Steve Young's carrier for many years because he is a member of My church.

been a long time since i entered a giveaway!..

ethelmaepotter! said...

"I wonder how many Michael's we pass by everyday." Oh, I love that line! And yes, it does make one wonder. I wish I could say "not too many," but I fear that would be untrue.

I must admit I don't care in the least for football, but I adored The Blindside - not so much for the sports aspect, but of course for the human relationship, compassion, and goodwill of the movie. Thanks for letting me know about the other book. I'll be buying it!

Debbie said...

Well, we agree on Disney, our kids, our grandkids, our husbands, books, holidays, and vacations. But...now, don't hate me....not football. (sorry) ha. But, well, it is just not for me. The movie, Blind Side, however, is one of my new all time favorites. I bought it for every guy in my life this past father's day. Would love to read this story!

-stephanie- said...

Great giveaway. I think you know I'm a Brett fan too.

The Stylish House said...

Teresa,
You have brightened each day since we met in ways you will never fully know! For instance on more then one rainy afternoon I found the sweetest card in my mail box that put a smile on my entire day!
My mother in law had open heart surgery a few days ago on top of the other goings on in my life so they were most welcome.
I'm writing you a snail mail with more details, but wanted to stop for a visit and thank you for your kindess and support. It has meant a great deal to me and I appreciate it.
Hugs, Cathy

Gosfam said...

When you love a sport there is no shame in it :) I like watching football, but don't REALLY have a fave player. We are from the NW so Seahawks are a team I like to follow. Thanks for the chance to win this book. I loved The Blind Side and love reading so would love to hear their story further.

Grami's girls said...

I just heard an interview with Leigh Ann and Sean on the radio, what impressed me the most was a statement Sean made. May not be word for word but he said people had always tried to tell them what an awesome thing they had done for Michael and his response is that they did nothing, they were just the tools for Michael to become who he was suppose to be...awesome.

Unknown said...

We watched the ESPYS too. I was crying like a baby. My husband said, "I hope my girls grow up to be as great as those boys are. Their dad raised them right." It was amazing.
We're football fans here too. We're actually Cowboy fans...what Texan isn't?

Unknown said...

I don't watch TV but i can see how this book is amazing :)
I love when people inspire us and make a difference in this world :)
I prayed for the little girl. Hope she recovers.
Follow me back and say hi :)
Frenchy

Sunny Sue said...

By reading this post, you have turned The Blind Side into a movie about you and Jack for me. When we left the theater after seeing it, I turned to my hubby and said, "She reminded me of Teresa", and he agreed. I didn't remember all of that about Jack and so now, the movie makes me think of you both.

My family loves football, too, but maybe not quite as much as you love your Brett. ;-) I love to hear football on the TV in the fall. Don't know who my fave player would be... it was Tony Dorsett when I was young, then came Troy, and then came Brett. There are others mixed in as well, but we all can't wait to watch Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow grow into wonderful Christian pro players. Makes my heart smile at the thought.

Debbie said...

I love college football, esp the South carolina Gamecocks!!!

God Bless~
Debbie Jean

Libbie said...

Brett sure did make football fun for us this year! Go Vikes! :) I loved having him!

I will make sure to pray for the family you wrote of here tonight!

Good NIght!

carissa said...

i need to read that book and finally see the movie! hope your littles filled slumber party is fantastic! ; )

Lydia said...

I totally loved the movie The Blind Side and I am sure the book is even better. I am a basketball fan first for my daughter but loved football after seeing the heartfelt movie.

Lydia

lmains at acsalaska dot net

billypandnikkysmom said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE FOOTBALL too!!! Can't wait for the season to start, I'm a Patriots fan, hey, I live in New England ~ what can I say!!!! Have a great day, God Bless!

Candace said...

What a great post! I am looking forward to reading more about you and your life. I love football too. I don't know if I have a favorite player. There are so many great athletes that play with honor and don't show-boat. I've always loved Brett Favre...but I think if I were to pick just one that is my favorite, it would be Kurt Warner. He has quite a story too. Thanks so much for stopping by to see me. We are neighbors and I look forward to getting to know you. Blessings, Candace

I am Harriet said...

Stopping by from the Friday hops to say hello!

Have a great Friday!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/07/what-could-you-possibly-learn-from-me-in-this-profilebuilding-friendship-one-blog-hop-at-a-time/

LakeMom said...

Thanks for the follow!
LakeMom
www.survivingmotherhoodwithhumor.com

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Teresa, I love reading about your busy, busy life--and wonder how you have time to do everything you do. You must have an abundance of energy!!!!

I love football also--but my teams are not always winners... My college team is Tennessee Volunteers and my pro team is the Tennessee Titans.

I think 'your' fav (Brett) will play again this year.... What do you think????

I saw the Tuohy's on TV (on the Huckabee show) --and loved them... I'm sure that book is GREAT.

Interesting story about your hubby... I'd love to hear more.

I will pray for Ashely Adams and family.

Have a great weekend, Teresa.
Hugs,
Betsy

Alison @ Welcome Sunshine Home said...

Hi! Thanks for the book recommendation and for visiting me. Now I'm following you. :)

Hope you have a great weekend!
Alison

http://welcomesunshinehome.blogspot.com/

HRH Mommy said...

Thank you for following me. I am now following you back.

Have a great weekend.

http://mformommy.blogspot.com

Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} said...

I love football, too, but mostly support our local college. I cheer for our Tennessee Titans, too, occasionally, and have a *slight* infatuation with Peyton Manning (I grew up in the town he played for in college). Happy New Friend Friday!! Have a fantastic weekend! :)

Jill said...

My Hubby is the football fan in our home :)

I'm visiting via Follow Friday 40 and Over and am your newest Follower :)

~ Jill
http://frugalplus.com/

Unknown said...

Just trying this blog hopping for the first time. Love sports and loved your blog! Looks like I have a new book to put on my list! Come visit me and feel free to send any tips my way

Lana
www.walkingtheoff-beatenpath.blogspot.com

elizabeth said...

Let me start by saying how much I love your blog and I'm so happy I found it. What makes the world a great place is the fact that we all love different things and are passionate about them.

I watch football with my husband because I love him. But we watch hockey together because we both love it. So I understand what you're saying, but in a different sport. :)

Right now Brett is the only name of a current football player that I can think of!!! (course, is he really current???)

Weezer said...

Hey, Teresa. Thanks for stopping by and commenting at Weezer's Haven.
Football? Love it. All sports actually, except basketball. I can't stand the sound of those sneakers on the floor....makes my teeth hurt! I'm a Cowboy and Seahawks fan.
Have a super great weekend.

Andrea Kruse said...

The book sounds fabulous! What a great story. Please don't hate me, I am not a huge football fan. I cheer on my alma mater every year and watch players come and go. I enjoy how excited my son gets, but it is just a fun game for me!

andrea.kruse at gmail dot com

Shawnee said...

Stopped by during Follow Friday 40 and Over and now I am your newest Follower :)

Shawnee
http://shawneett.blogspot.com

PS - Would LOVE to win that book. My all-time fav football player is/was Joe Montana. My daddy LOVED the 49ers, and passed that love to my 28yo DS.

XmasDolly said...

Well, I'm not sure I think this might be my first time here. Wow, you really have a story to tell don't you. Very interesting blog you have here young lady. First of all thanks for stopping by. Second of all I am your latest follower. I am surely going to have to come back, and browse & read around here. I'm not a book reader, sorry. Reading puts me to sleep most of the time, but when I do read it's usually Stephen King. Also, I don't do sports, sorry again. My husband is a musician, so we do a lot of music here. All kinds, and all eras. Have a great weekend. Nice to meet you,

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

I do not really understand football! ...but I love to watch certain college teams and also certain football players (Brett Farve is really amazing in that he never missed a game! My dad's family are from Wisconsin...so we are Packer fans :o) Anywhoo...I love this couple's story and the movie Blind Side!

Hope that you all get Parker's FB thing figured out! Why would anyone want to hack into his FB???

Blessings & aloha!
(You are a very busy woman :o) hm...claim to fame...Grammy is defintiely good (I now you've heard me say this before and over again...I can't wait to be a grandma :o) ...and only a "few Christmas trees"! You are amazing! :o)

Alely said...

OMG! I love blindside and I would so love reading this book! my favorite football player is Joe Montana! i am a california girl at heart and a loyal SF 49'er fan!!!!

also, thank you, thank you for coming by my blog through NFF otherwise i would have never stumbled upon your inspiring blog or this awesome giveaway and even if i don't win i am buying myself that book!

now following, loveLee to meet you!

xo,
alely Lee

Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina said...

Gee, Teresa, I am SO glad that you found me and stopped by my blog and following. I just love your blog, and it is so pretty too! I'm following back now and because I WANT to, so that I can enjoy your thoughts and book ideas.....I'm a big reader too! Thank you again, and have a lovely day! Roz @ La Bella Vita

Doreen McGettigan said...

I loved the movie blind side and will have to put the book on my list! We watched Michael play as much as we could last season..but if I had to pick my favorite sports guy it would be Chase Utley (Phillies) He is so good and he and his wife do so much for our city..I like all sports (heck I live in Philly) but my favorite is hockey and I do not have a favorite player right now..
All 4 at once..I love it..chaotic and magical!

Lolly said...

Hi Teresa,

I found your blog through a comment you left at Janelle's blog. What a great story about your husband. My husband grew up in an alcoholic home. He played football and several of his coaches were great mentors to him. My son in law is a football coach. Loved the movie, The Blind Side. Interesting in just the few minutes I have read your blog, I saw that we read a lot of the same. I have followed Ashley Adams since before her transplant. Precious family that has gone through so much.

Lemon Lane Studio said...

I grew up with three older brothers so I know football but the man I married 27 years ago is not a fan so, I couldn't give you a favorite. I'm new to your blog and think I'll do some browsing. Thanks for the visit. Have a great weekend. Patty

Amanda said...

Not much of a sports person - I think the most I do is watch a little bit of football (it's my dad's thing), and practice archery (unless farmwork counts?).
So I really have no favorites in that sport. :)

[Thanks for stopping by my blog! I also love blog hopping - it's perfect for when you need to kill some time! Thanks for letting me know about your cool giveaway as well! I have one that I'll be drawing for in about an hour, and will be having a weekly one for the next four or so weeks - if you want to stop by...)
amanda@farmgirlwrites.com

Lindy said...

Thanks for stopping over! I am a big Cornhusker fan and can't wait for college football to start again. Have a happy weekend.

Morgan Paige said...

Oh i would love to read that book!

Michelle said...

Hi,

I'm not a big football fan, my son & my hubby are. But I must say my football hero is Tim Tebow. He has really spoken faith into my son's life. moma3homeschool(at)gmail(dot)com

Lindsi said...

Thanks for the invite over to your blog Teresa!

I am a HUGE football fan, born into an OU lovin' family (dont hold it against me). :) I cant honestly say that I have just one favorite football player....Josh Heupel, Roy Williams, Heinz Ward, just to name a few!

Also, you have a beautiful family!
Thanks again for stopping by my blog!

Wendy said...

Thanks so much for coming by my blog today!! :) It made my day! :) I was sitting here readying thinking "I saw this book advertised and I really want to read it..." then I saw where you said you were going to give away a copy! Love it!! :)

My favorite football player....I don't know many, but I grew up in a home where Brett Favre was watched quite frequently. A common Father's Day gift was a Brett Favre shirt or hat...something along those lines.

Therefore...I agree with your button on your sidebar: We would so be friends if we met in real life! :)

Melanie said...

Fave player: Brett F. ~ I have MS roots!
Fave coach: Tony D. ~ I live in Clearwater, FL, and what a testimony that man has!

Julie said...

That book sounds fantastic! I'd love to get a chance to read it! And I love your verses on the side bar, Jeremiah 29:11 is such a well-known and incredible verse, but I think the following two verses are just as special, and vital :)

Unknown said...

Stopped by to say thank you for following my blog..and what pops on my screen...purrr..hehehehe Brett (Canon Arm) Favre...oh yeah...so of course now I am following your blog as well!

Have a great rest of the weekend..and hopefully this stormy weather will pass!

nomo wino daph said...

Thanks for the follow:)
I am following ya back!

DEW BREES HONEY, all the way!!

I love love loved the Blind Side.
That is my fav movie of the year-
Have a great evening!

Simplegirl said...

You need to be my next door neighbor or something so you can teach me alla bout the port. My hubbie lives on ESPN & I wish I understood it all. ALl I really know is baseball. Love your blog & I'm sticking around to learn from you:-) Thanks for your lovely visit new friend:-)

Faythe said...

Hi Teresa!
I had to stop & see if you had written anything about our boyfriend Brett...
I was so happy he won an Espy, and that he also was honored to hand out a special award. I was sort of hoping he would of broke some news too... but in my heart I knew he wouldn't.. he will wait until last minute, as it seems his way as of late. As a life long Wisconsinite & Green Bay fan, and most of those years the leader of the pack was Brett, so of course he is my fav... no matter what color uniform he wears.
Have a Wonderful rest of the weekend!
Faythe @GrammyMousetails

Love Being A Nonny said...

I love sports....we have so much in common. (Except that late night/early morning thing!)

College basketball is my favorite sport to watch but I am a Drew Breeze fan in football!

Theresa said...

I love Brett! I haven't read that book, but this makes me want to:) Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!

SusanD said...

Ha! I'm a Brett fan too. But my "heart" is with Peyton! ahahaha. Blessings, SusanD

Doris said...

I came by to say Hi and to say thanks for visiting my blog!

I do not'get' football. My family loves the game, though. (hubby has given up trying to explain it to me!) Our local HS football team won a state title a few years ago. My family loves Penn State and the Eagles.

I'll be by to check in with you again!

annapolsgrove said...

Eli Manning :)

Carrie said...

Very cute blog you have here! Thanks for stopping by mine and following! Following you back! ;)

Unknown said...

Yeah! I can't believe I won the book. I haven't even seen the movie yet. I think I'll read the book and then watch the movie. Thanks so much! I can't wait to read it.

Holly Lefevre said...

Oh footbal...I have never got it, but I do like the players Howie Long is my fave...Brett Farve and my brother look exactly alike! I would love to read that book - the movie was amazing...it renews my spirit to know there are people like that!

shelley said...

Teresa,
I'm so glad you popped over to say hi last week! We were without power most of the week due to a mini tornado in our nations capital, hard to believe i know but it was an awfully HOT week with no AC! I just loved reading this post! LOVE LOVE LOVE the story of the Tuohy family! That woman is a woman after myown heart! I will def get that book!! I do believe in leaving the world a better place then when we came. And what an important lesson to pass onto your children and grandchildren. I love you blog! adorable!!! I will tell you that my daughter just graduated from Bama and there is NO place like football like SEC football, NO PLACE! lol have a wonderful day!
hugs,
shelley :)
http://im-stillstanding.com