LSU vs Miss St

Every year the ENO crew gets together for a LSU game.  I was never able to go because I was working, until this year.   Jon and I planned on going as soon as we knew the date.  I was really looking forward to it.  I had never watched a game from inside the stadium! (I was in Baton Rouge quite a few times in college for games, but never made it in to the stadium for the game) Then Jon got hurt, and we had no idea how we were going to tailgate and make it to the game with him on crutches.  Then he got a wheelchair and decided to call the ticket office to see if they could accommodate.  We ended up being able to sit in the handicapped/wheelchair section with an awesome view!
The morning of the game we got up with the sun (or maybe before) and got ready and headed to the campus.  Fortunately we were following Nathan, Kelli, and Terry's lead because Jon and I were rookie tailgaters.  We found our spot and got things set up.  A little before lunch the rest of the crew made it out.  Terry and Nathan whipped up some wonderful jambalaya in a cast iron pot that is at least a century old!  It was probably some of the best jambalaya I've ever eaten!  We took a walk to pick up our tickets from will call and to see Mike the tiger in his cage.  We went back to our tailgating spot and hung out until game time.  Of course we then made our way to the stadium to watch the tigers defeat the bulldogs.  It was a really great time and I'm so glad we were able to go this year!

Terry & Nathan aka The Cooks

Kelli & me

tailgating with the hubby

view from our seats

LSU vs Miss St game

Wheelchair Adventures

Not too long after Jon had been hopping along on crutches we realized that a wheelchair would really be helpful. He talked to the doctor and they wrote him a prescription for a wheelchair. One afternoon we went to the medical supply company and picked out a wheelchair to rent. As funny as it sounds, it has really been helpful for him. It gets pretty tough using crutches for long periods of time.
Our first wheelchair adventure was out shopping for furniture. It was a little tough maneuvering the chair around all the furniture in the stores, but we made do.

The next time it really came in handy was registering for Lillian at Target. Although once it got busy at the store, it was a little more difficult because the aisles are not very wide and a lot of people are inconsiderate.
We also went on an adventure to the state fair in the wheelchair. The hardest part of that was the fact that it was really hot outside and the sun was beaming down. I must say it is good exercise!

Speaking of exercise, we did take the wheelchair to the park. The doctor told me to start walking more so that's what I've been doing.  Walking the park as I pushed my husband in his wheelchair.  I'm sure it was a sight to see, but it worked for us!
Our last adventure in the wheelchair was to Death Valley to cheer on the tigers as they played Mississippi State.  We had been planning to go to the game for quite some time, and then Jon got hurt, so that threw a kink in the plans.  He decided to call the ticket office and see what was available since he would be in a wheelchair.  Well my friends, we scored big time!  We got to sit in the handicapped/wheelchair section, and those were some great seats!

We turned the wheelchair back in to the company this past week.  It was a little bittersweet...joking...it was actually a joyous event! Jon is now in a walking boot and getting around without crutches!  So very thankful! 

I have learned a few unfortunate things since Jon was using a wheelchair....

1- there are numerous places that are not handicapped accessible or friendly

2- so many people are really inconsiderate

3- wheelchairs are hard to drive

I now have a better understanding for those that are wheelchair bound and I will make a conscious effort from here on out to really help them when I can!

Happy Birthday FIL!

This past Saturday Jon and I had the opportunity to have his side of the family over to our house to celebrate his father's 70th birthday.  We invited Jon's two sisters and their families and also Jon's dad's brother and his wife.  Everyone was able to make it and we were very excited about that.  We really enjoyed being able to see everyone and spend time with them.  I know that Jon's dad also had a wonderful time and that it meant the world to him for everyone to be there in his honor.  I was in charge of appetizers so I went to researching some new things that I could make and I came up with the following: Spicy Sausage Dip served with Ritz crackers and pita chips, Crack Dip served with pita chips, Drunk Dogs, and Pizza Bites. (I'll post recipes later.)  They were all a big hit!  Jon's brother in law, Bill, was in charge of the gumbo and rice and it was delicious!   How could I forget to mention that we watched the LSU Tigers beat the Georgia Bulldogs!! Now the Tigers are headed to the National Championship to whoop up on the Bama Crimson Tide again! :)    Overall, it was a really great time and a moment that I know that the FIL (Father-In-Law) will cherish for years to come!

[Jeff, Regina, and Ron (the FIL)]

[Jon with his sister Cindy and her hubby Bill]

[Happy Birthday to you!!]

[Jon's dad with his pretty and yummy cake- doesn't he make 70 look good!]

[Jon's sister Regina with her daughter, Anna Leigh, and Cindy's daughter, Abby]

[me and the MIL]

[the dad with his children!]

Jon's dad is one the kindest men I have ever met.  He has a big heart of gold and is always looking out for what's best for Jon and me.  He is a great man of God and a wonderful role-model.  He even plays tennis multiple times a week! :)

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.  ~Emily Dickinson