He's tough on the Field and Mat but....

He has another side to him. He went to visit the daycare at their church and the little girl in the red shirt reminded him of Kamrie, his cousin we lost in the car accident. Here he is volunteering at the daycare. I'm so proud of them both. Grandchildren are a Blessing from God!

The Best For Last!

Above picture: In front is Sydnie, Second row l to r is Kim, Brandon, Brianne, Chad, Danielle(cousin), back row L to R is Chuck and Alisha, (Danielle's mom). I took it after the Hamilton win with my phone so it's a little blurry, sorry.

JV saved the best for last. Last night the Bulldog JV played the Hamilton Hornets. I got there late because Sydnie performed a dance routine at the Dragon JV game in Cameron. So as soon as she was done, Brianne, Sydnie and I headed for Hamilton to catch what we could of Brandon's last game of the year. The game was tied when we got there at 14 all. We just sat down in our seats, got situated and Brandon throws a pass for a touchdown. However later Brandon did throw an interception that led to a Hornet touchdown and we are tied again.


With about 5 minutes to go Brandon runs about a 35 yard bootleg in for a touch down. The Hornets take the ball down the field and are 1st and goal but the Bulldogs hold and take over on downs. With 35 seconds left an illegal procedure call puts us on the 2 yard line and Brandon standing in the end zone takes the shot gun and runs it out to about the five yard line and on the second down kneels the ball down and the game is over.


It was great Bulldogs win and the whole family was there. Papa made it and so did Bri and Sydnie. So they end their season with 5 wins and 1 loss. WAY TO GO BULLDOGS!


The Eighth grade ended their season at 3 and 2 so congratulations to both teams.


We have 2 more varsity games, Friday night at Maysville and Thursday night before Halloween at Hamilton. Let's Go Bulldogs!!!!!!

Last 8th Grade Game - "3" Touchdowns

Way to Go Bulldogs!! Congratulations Chad.

Chad is #4. He had a great game. The bottom picture is Chad waiting to return a punt. The Bulldogs beat Albany 30 - 6 Tuesday night. This team had a rough start to the season with 2 straight loses. But they came back to have a winning season. It's amazing how quickly they improve with some actual game time experience. In the bottom picture on the left you see both coaches. One of them is from Cameron. Phillip Limb is a graduate from Cameron and played football and wrestled. The other coach is Doug Nichols. He actually coached Chad's father Chuck and his brother Adam some ....... years ago. Sorry coach I just had to add that. I'm sure it was at the beginning of your career as a coach.

Anyway, congratulations on a great year and now it's time to get ready for wrestling.

Are you "Coachable"

You know, with all this talk about football it made me stop and think. Am I "coachable" as a Believer? For probably 40 years I stood on the side line watching the game. I was on the team but not participating in the game. I wondered why I wasn't growing in my faith and why I didn't feel God blessing my life. I had the play book but wasn't studying. Then tragedy struck our lives when my youngest granddaughter died as a result of a car accident. She was 27 months old and had just left my office in perfect health. That's how quick it can happen. God can take the ashes of our lives and make something beautiful from them. I stopped to examine my life and realized I had not done my part. Christ was not the center of my life. When I went into the huddle to get my direction I was listening to the wrong coach. We need to make sure the coach we listen to is using the right play book. The one published by our Heavenly Father. Do you feel God blessing your life? Are you studying the right play book? Don't wait for a tragedy to hit - join the Team that never loses. Surround yourself with other Believers and get in the game.

Tuesday Night Football 8th Grade Style

Gallatin played at Maysville last night and it is definitely football weather. Coffee was the drink of choice. It was a hard fought game and Gallatin won it 6 - 0. They are looking like a different team compared to the first game of the year. Which tells me they are coachable. Music to Coach White's ears I'm sure. I think Maysville figured out early on they needed to key in on Chad and that opened up other opportunities to run plays they weren't expecting. It's a little scary that both the boys, Brandon and Chad had fumbles back to back nights. No damage done though and both teams came out with the wins. Next week is 8th grades last game. It will be at home against Albany. They are 2 and 2 right now so let's get the win and have a winning season. GO BULLDOGS.

Gallatin Football Again!

Okay, so last Friday night was Homecoming for Gallatin. Coach White and the team came in with their plan of attack annnnnnnnnnnd it almost worked. The Bulldogs lost but, they scored more points on Princeton than all the other teams that have played them combined. It was a beautiful night for football. Way to go BULLDOGS!


So last night Junior Varsity played and it was not so nice night, weather wise for football. Visions of Dearborn kept flashing before my eyes. There were maybe 25 people in the stands and yes, Jeff and I were 2 of them. By the time I got there, got all my rain gear on and got to the stands Brandon had already scored a touchdown for the second score of the game and we were ahead. Then later on in the last couple of minutes we have the ball, Brandon goes to hand off and fumbles the wet ball, Princeton recovers the fumble. So, Princeton is down by a touchdown and they have the ball near the 50 yard line. They go back to pass and guess who intercepts. You got it! Brandon. Yeaaaaaaa. It was a great win.


So tonight is 8th Grade football in Maysville (i think, waiting to hear for sure) and it should be a tough game also. Yes I just got confirmation that the game is at Maysville at 6:00 pm. So, if it is pouring down rain about that time just know I'm getting wet once again.

A win for Eighth Grade Football

Last night we traveled to Lawson for Eighth grade Football. Last year the same match up was at Gallatin and we were tied with just seconds to go. The coach called a time out and in the conversation he said "Somebody get me the ball". So they line up, and by the way all Lawson had to do was kneel and run out the clock and we go to overtime, but they hike the ball and attempt a run up the middle. My grandson Chad dives in strips the ball and his team mate recovers the fumble and runs it back for a TD and we win the game. How exciting is that. When his mother hears the conversation in the huddle her comment is " Why can't he obey me like that!" lol. As they walk off the field, the player who recovered the ball and made the TD told Chad, " Chad I love You." How cute. I guess that's probably not a football term is it.

So last night, we are a touchdown up and Lawson has the ball. They are moving down field on the 20 yard line or so with just a few seconds on the clock trying to tie the game. The quarterback goes for a long pass right at the goal line into a crowd and up jumps a Gallatin player from seemingly no where and intercepts the ball. The announcer says "Ness with the interception" and we couldn't believe it. He's not the tallest player on the team but he jumped up and came down with it. It was awesome.

It's also awesome to know that in life sometimes we fumble, and sometimes we think we are moving down the field for a touchdown and something or someone intercepts and throws us off course. But as Believers we have a Savior who cares about us and has a plan for us and all we have to do is receive His gift.

Junior Varsity Update

`We got to travel to the beautiful city of Albany, Mo last night for the game. By the way, it is quickly becoming football weather especially when the sun goes down. As I look across the field to our bench, there are two extra players on the sideline. I'm thinking it may be a long night. Anyway Brandon played the whole game at quarterback and at half time it's 16-0 Gallatin. That's a good thing but still close. Anyway, after I don't remember, 7 or 8 maybe more turnovers on Albany the final score was 48-6 Gallatin. Way to Go Bulldogs! They are really starting to find their comfort zone and play together as a team. By the way Albany is a pretty town, you just can't get there from here easily. Yes Chad is playing 8th grade football, but they are still in the building stage. We'll talk more about them next year. They are going to scrimmage against the Jr. Varsity the next couple of weeks. That should be a real learning experience for them. Brother against brother. Glad I won't be there.

Brandon Starting QB for JV

Okay please indulge me as a Nana! Last night Brandon my oldest grandson started as Quarter Back for Gallatin Junior Varsity game. I'm not sure who was more nervous, Brandon, his Mom, his Nana, or if he would admit it his Dad. We all knew he could do it and what we saw was evidence of that. He showed leadership, poise, maturity and most of all humility. How cool is that. Here are some pictures (somewhere) his mom took. I never know where they will show up. Oh yes by the way, Gallatin won 56 to 20 against Mid Buchanon.

Of course no one can play the game by themselves and Brandon knows that. His line protected him, his receivers scrambled for him and his running backs found the holes to run through. They played a great game. Congratulations Gallatin Bulldogs.

Gallatin Football

Okay so we got off to a great start - Things have not gone so well the last two weeks. We lost to South Harrison and last Friday night we played in a down pour at Dearborn and lost. I'm not sure the shot gun formation was made for the rain. They play hard and made some good plays. One great interception against Bethany for a good gain. But such is life and there are times things just don't go our way. It's how we take our lessons and learn from it that counts.

Last night, Tuesday was the 8th grade game. Their first of the season. They played against Hamilton and also lost. They sure didn't look like 8th graders I remember. There are some good athletes in this class. With more playtime experience they will be something to be reckoned with in High School. I think Chad got to play every down and I'm sure he was loving it. He has looked so forward to football starting. I just pray we don't have any serious injuries to anyone this year. So hopefully I will have better news next week. Oh yes and after football we have wrestling season. No rest for the grandparents! lol We are going to have to get creative with gas prices the way they are. Praise the Lord there is only one more game that's very far to drive. From Gallatin that is, Nana lives in Cameron. Oh well, what we won't do for our grandkids.

VICTORY IN GALLATIN

Galltin Bulldogs won their season opener Friday night against Tarkio 27-7. There was a little bit of everything for the fans. Great passing and receiving, finding the holes to run through, extra point kick and a two point conversion, interception, and great defense. There were a few penalties they may want to work on but it was the first game of the year. CONGRATULATIONS BULLDOGS AND TO COACH WHITE on his first win as Head Coach of the Bulldogs.

BABIES

Here they are. I finally got some more pictures from mom and dad. Bella is in the pink hat incase you were wondering. She is up to 3lb 12 oz as of yesterday and Asher is up to 4lb 12oz. They are both in cribs now and are probably looking at 2 1/2 weeks to 3 weeks before they come home. Please continue to pray for them to improve and for mom and dad to hold up to the daily trips to the hospital.

Gallatin Football Has a New Head Coach

Meet Coach Jeff White. Does he look familiar? Jeff, his wife Marla and their two beautiful children Jackson and Jenna are members of Cameron First Baptist Church. Jeff took over as Head Coach of the Gallatin Bulldogs this year and number 8 that you see above just happens to be my oldest grandson, Brandon Ness. Brandon just loves his new coach. I was thoroughly impressed at the above scrimage last Friday night because during the introductions Coach new every players name, number and year of school all without notes. That is dedication.

Below (or wherever the computer puts it) is Brandon making a touchdown at the scrimage. I'm sorry if I sound prideful but I'm taking Grandma privileges.

Two Little Miracles...

DADDY AND BELLA GAIL ANN SAPPINGTON

ASHER AARON RAY SAPPINGTON AND DADDY

BELLA

ASHER

MOTHER AND BABIES ARE PLEASING THE DRS WITH
THEIR PROGRESS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR
THEM. GOD IS GOOD.

It's a Boy! and It's a Girl!

Pam and John had the twins this morning. Asher at 7:43 a.m. weighing in at 3lbs ozs. And Bella at 7:48 weighing in at 2lbs 10ozs. John's words to Jeff (you know men, not alot of details) were that the Drs. were pleased. Jeff said he seemed upbeat so as far as I know things are going as well as could be expected. She was at 30 weeks and had the shot to help the babies develope their lungs so please keep praying for continued improvement and healing for Pam. Lila and I are going down tonight so maybe we will get some pictures. Stay tuned for further developements.

My First VBS

This is my first VBS as "an adult". This week Cameron First Baptist had Vacation Bible School. Since I didn't make the trip to Romania this year, I decided to help with VBS. Okay, no problem! Now remember it's my first time as an adult so what does Darla and Chasity talk me into, Director of 3rd and 4th grade. Not a problem they say you have great help. Which I did. Marjorie Humphries, Carol Teter and Jeanie Baker. What can I say. I also had Cody Smith and Kyle Whitt which saved my dear old feet and legs. Thank you one and all. Then they tell me, "by the way you do have the largest group". Now the truth comes out. However, they were an amazing group and we had a rewarding amazing week learning to "Know the Truth, Speak the Truth and Live the Truth". Not only to Know, Live and Speak the Truth but to Let our Actions match our Passion." Here are some pictures of the week.

BETH MOORE STUDY - "STEPPING UP"

Join me in an awesome Ladies Bible Study with Beth Moore as the teacher. If you have ever experienced a Beth Moore Bible Study I don't need to say any more. If you have never experienced a Beth Moore Bible Study you don't want to miss it.

This is a short Bible Study for Beth. Usually they are 12 weeks, this one is 6 weeks. We begin August 4 th at 6:30 in Lila's Sunday School room. It is called "Stepping UP" a journey through the Psalms of Ascent.

There is a workbook that goes with the study. The cost is $12.95 and the dead line is July 20 th to order the books. So call the church office and reserve your workbook NOW !http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHt7-e48joE

Nikki Had A Day At The Spa

It's hard maintaining such beauty. I stopped by the Spa about noon and everyone stopped everything to welcome me. It's nice to be so pampered. They start your shampoo and then that blow dryer just feels so good. It gets a little cold when you get all wet like that. Then they bring out the brush and smell good spray. I feel like a million dollars when it's all done. And mom and dad carry me around for a while so I don't get dirty or grass stain. That doesn't last to long though. If you are looking for a great place to spend the day, just give Grand Paws a call and tell them Nikki sent you.

What a Great Weekend!

I had the rare privilege of having my teenage grandsons for the weekend . We thoroughly enjoyed them. We had dinner with Lanny, Lila and the girls along with their friend Erica. Also the boys cousin Danielle stayed with us. After dinner we stopped by the park where the High School CSU club was having a gospel sing. That is where the picture was taken if I can get it to post. Then they decide to rent a scary movie and eat ice cream so I invited them to our house to watch it on the big screen. Much to Lanny's delight and Jeff's chagrin (lol) they accepted. It was so much fun. They ate ice cream and I, yes I, made cookies. They were great. The movie even scared the dog so we retreated to the bedroom.

Then Sunday morning I got the kids up and we all went to Sunday School and Church together. What a blessing. While we were waiting to get ready for church my oldest grandson got a phone call from a friend who tells him he needs to get to church (their church). He tells him he is but he is at his grandparents in Cameron. Now I know this is how it is suppose to be but it has not always been this way. Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy.

Parents enjoy your children even when it's not what you may have planned. God gives us opportunities that we don't always recognize as gifts. As our family is all to much aware, we don't always get the next chance we thought we would have to enjoy these precieous moments.

KAIROS #3

I'm not so great with the pictures so check out Carrie's blog for the latest on KAIROS #3. It was an amazing experience for us (the support team), the team members and the Offenders. I am so grateful that Cameron First Baptist is so supportive of this ministry.

NIKKI - New to the Family

Some of you may not know that we had to put our Boxer, Lady to sleep a couple of weeks ago. And you probably heard me say NO MORE DOGS. Well you may have also heard of "Famous last Words." Meet Nikki. She's 8 weeks old. Jeff brought her home and how can you say no to a face like that. She got her name because our friends Lanny and Lila have a male named Nike. So Jeff gets the bright idea we should name her Addidas. NOT! So we settled on Nikki. That's great except I try to call her Nike.

PROM NIGHT 2008

Brandon went to prom last weekend with Courtney. It was held at the Gallatin High School, but they had dinner at 36th Street in St. Joseph before the prom. It's official now!!! I feel really old!!!

Sure Mom, whichever one you like is fine with me.

Stand still, Brandon!!! Don't slump, gotta make sure it fits.

36-24-36 perfect figure!!!

Brandon and Courtney

Brandon and Courtney

Smile, it's Prom Night!!!

Ready to go...

NO MORE PICTURES!!!

WRESTLING -- NESS STYLE

Chad executes a perfect Grandby...

Brandon fighting hard in District Competition.

Way to go, guys!!! Brandon will recieve his letter for wrestling tonight as a freshman and Chad went undefeated and won first place as a 7th grader. I am so proud of both of them.

One FLU over the Miles Nest

Well it's been a while but Jeff is down for the count. He has the Flu! When I got home from church last night his temp was 101.7. His neck is also bothering him. It couldn't be that he over did Wednesday night helping in game time at AWANA. Abby was also sick and Alex has class now on Wednesday. He usually makes it before too long but we never know so I asked Jeff to help Darla. After opening for Sparks and TNT Darla went over and Pat Ramsey was helping Jeff with the cubbies. Yea!!!!!!!!! Later when I went over Jeff is on a scooter (the cubbies use) on his chest and Pat is pushing him like a wheel barrow and swinging him in circles. They also played dodge ball and I'm not sure who had more fun, the clubbers or the men. (I use the term men loosely.) lol. Seriously we are so blessed that we have Christian men who are willing to step up and do whatever it takes to share God's word. Thank's guys.

KAIROS #3 - THE BEGINNING

Tomorrow night is the second Retreat weekend for Kairos at Crossroads. This is a retreat for the first two Kairos communities at Crossroads Correctional Center. The retreats are held 3 months following a 4 day Kairos Weekend. There is also a weekly Prayer and Share time on Tuesday night which are led by the offenders and monitored by team members who volunteer their time each week.
Jeff is the Team Leader for Kairos #3 so please be in prayer for him and for the weekend. Satan is not at all happy with what God is doing through these team members and through the lives that have been changed as a result.
Carrie Murphy, Lisa McCartney, Cindy Hampton, Joan Mansingh and I have the task of feeding the team this weekend, for all the team meetings, and for the big weekend we feed not only the team members but the offenders also, so please be in prayer for us to.
There are some great pictures on Carries blog, www.skiingbehindjesusboat.blogspot.com of the last weekend and I will try to update the weekend coming up as we go.

I'm Weighing In!!!!!!!!

Okay I'm going to "Weigh In" lol.. on the health issue. Here are a couple of recipes my daughter shared with me from Weight Watchers. The first one is a soup and it looks easy. (If you know me I'm all for easy.)

WW POTATO SOUP 1 point per 1 cup serving

4 cans chicken broth (fat free)
1 bag O'Brien Hash Browns
1 pkg Country Gravy Mix (Pioneer Brand)

Whisk broth and gravy mix together.
Add potatoes and simmer until done.


Guess what I'm bring to the carry-in soup dinner Sunday.

No. 2

Sweet Potato Casserole

29 oz sweet potatoes, canned -- mashed
1/4 t. ground allspice
vegetable cooking spray
3 T light cream cheese
2 T brown sugar
1 T margarine
1/3 c crushed pineapple -- drained
1/4 t salt
3 T pecans -- toasted, chopped

Combine sweet potato and allspice in a mixing bowl. Beat mixture at medium speed with mixer for 2 minutes or until smooth. Spoon into a 1 qt microwave safe baking dish coated with cooking spray. Cover and microwave a High for 5 mins. or until thoroughly heated. Add cream cheese, sugar and margarine to sweet potato mixture. Beat at medium speed until combined. Stir in pineapple and salt. Microwave, uncovered, on High for 1 minute or until mixture is thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with toasted pecans, and serve warm.

Yields 4 cups. 3 points per 1 cup serving.

Do you have recipes you want to share?

When are tears a Good Thing?

When they bring you to the foot of the Cross.

God blessed me with the experience of being there at the birth of a new Believer in Christ Sunday morning at Church. It was a beautiful day all the way around. I told Steve our music minister that every Sunday the music is wonderful but yesterday I felt from the first note that we were inviting the Holy Spirit to join us and He did! ( Couldn't be how I prepare my heart before I get there now could it.) Anyway, a young lady sat near us during service and shortly after started crying. Lisa helped her get a tissue and sat with her during service and Joan and I were praying for her throughout the service. She and Lisa went to the altar and prayed and then they went straight to the conference room at close. Joan and I followed and talked with her for a while. The details are not essential to blog but needless to say she was feeling hopeless and after talking with us and Pastor Jay she found what she was looking for. Hope. Eternal Life in Christ Jesus.

She returned to service that night and we have assured her it was no accident that she sat in the very seat she sat in and that we want to disciple her in her journey with the Lord. ( Thank you for Master Life!) She realizes that she will be attacked because of her decision but our God is bigger and she has been made new. She knows now not to buy into satan's lies and where to find the answers to her questions.

Yes it was a good day!