MSU vs. AU 2012 - A House Divided

We had a fun trip to Starkville a couple of weeks ago for the Auburn vs. Mississippi State football game.  Many have asked me about whether Mark has gloated for weeks, or how it was dealing with the loss, etc.  it seems like it would be extra painful since Turner dresses and cheers with the home team, and she thoroughly enjoyed herself, ringing her cowbell every chance she got!  Thankfully, I love my husband dearly and seeing him happy really does make me happy.  And thankfully nothing (even football) trumps that. 

So I really mean it when I say I had a great time!  Even though Turner hit me in the head with the cowbell at kickoff.  :)  Getting hit with a wild shaker is one thing, getting smacked with a cowbell is a whole other league of crazy!

The best part of going to Starkville, for any game, is getting to see sweet friends who we only see one season a year.  Mark has maintained several college friendships and through the years, those friends have become like family.  It's a treat to spend time with them on gameday.

Turner and Abby 2012

Mark being silly with some sparkly hair poms that Turner just had to have...we deemed these ear shakers!

And it's always fun when Mark runs into his Auburn students when we are in Starkville!  Patrick and Chase are SOS Coordinators in Mark's office, and they were all smiles to see Mark, even if he was wearing maroon.

The Chapel of Memories on the campus at MSU is similar in tradition and respect to the Auburn University Chapel or perhaps Samford Hall.  So we were surprised to see the fountain at the Chapel of Memories filled with bubbles, no doubt the result of a late night prank.  It was quite an entertaining surprise for us!

This was a common site for me during the ballgame....can you tell how much fun they are having?  Notice the blur in the first picture?  That would be Turner ringing the cowbell so fast the camera didn't catch it.

After the game we were excited to visit with the Shraders for a delightful few minutes - our time with these friends from Phoenix is never long enough!  Kate and Turner are always fast friends and while they ran around the green space I enjoyed visiting with Claire, Mason, and Benjamin and hearing about their upcoming play and their college plans.  If you don't follow Carol's blog you should because your heart will be blessed by her Godly wisdom, her transparency, and the sweet spirits of her Godly children. 

Please know that just before this picture was snapped, Turner said she needed to hold up the shaker to cover up my Auburn skirt.  :)  .

The walk back to the car was a happy one, having been blessed by our weekend among our Bulldog friends!

Go Dawgs and War Eagle!