Author: Big Mama

This is a quick story from one of my dear friends, Gregg Matte. He is the head pastor at Houston’s First Baptist Church, but before that he was the founder of Breakaway Bible Study at Texas A&M.

He also happens to be the person who connected me to P back in 1995, for which I am forever grateful.

“It is only by the grace of God that you get to places you shouldn’t be.”

Is Texas A&M’s Kyle Field heaven? from Houston's First Baptist Church on Vimeo.

So I’ve been home with a sick child for the last two days. And will probably be home with her again tomorrow because the doctor diagnosed her with strep but she still has fever and is really congested in spite of the meds they prescribed.

This is problematic for two reasons. One, I hate that she feels bad. Two, I’ve realized I have a tendency to eat all day out of sheer boredom when I’m stuck at home. Case in point, I took Caroline by Starbucks to get a frappuccino yesterday and then decided to make a quick swing through the Popeye’s drive-through to get some spicy chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes for myself. And a biscuit. And a side of red beans and rice.

If she’s out for too many more days I’m going to need to start a cleanse.

Late Sunday evening Caroline mentioned she didn’t feel good. Sore throat and stomachache along with low grade fever made me assume strep because, even though I am not a licensed medical professional, I enjoy making a diagnosis. Her fever went up during the night and so I took her to the doctor Monday morning where they confirmed my suspicions.

We have since spent the majority of the last forty-eight hours lying on the couch in our pajamas. We’ve watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Freaky Friday, and more episodes of Penguins of Madagascar than I can even recount. In what is either a high or a low, I’ve discovered that King Julian cracks me up. He referred to the cucumbers on his eyes as “eye vegetables” and I laughed out loud for a full three minutes.

So, in conclusion, I’ve been very busy eating Popeye’s chicken and getting dumber.

I also may have passed several levels on Candy Crush.

Since I have nothing else of interest to say because I am totally out of touch with anything that involves the world outside my living room, I thought I would answer a few questions some of you asked about Monday’s post.

1. Gulley’s monogram necklace is from Carol & Company. You can find it here.

2. My necklace is from Stella and Dot. It’s the Sanibel Reversible Pendant. It’s aqua on one side and smoky quartz on the other. Plus you can wear it short or long.

3. Gulley’s crocheted top is a couple of seasons old and came from Anthropologie. But you’re in luck because I found this one that’s very similar at Zappo’s for only $47.99. And I also love this Free People top for a similar look.

4. My camo tee came from Urban Outfitters. I literally bought the last one they had online after I saw my friend Leslie wearing it, but your local store might still have them in stock. I also noticed that Target had this one in the store the other day and that J.Crew also has one but it’s sold out online.

5. There is no five. But feel free to ask me a question if you have one. Maybe I can spend time answering questions the rest of the day instead of rummaging through the refrigerator looking for another Jello Dark Chocolate pudding snack.

Oh who am I kidding? I’ll just answer questions and eat pudding at the same time.

Have a great day.

Back in my drug rep days I sold a drug that had a tendency to make people sleepy. And so after I told doctors about all the benefits, I’d have to warn them about the somnolence issue. (That’s a ten dollar word for “It makes you sleepy”.)

That’s how I feel about this podcast. There might be something beneficial in there but it might also put you smooth out. I’m still coming down from my Texas A&M football high and my energy level has never been lower. Combine that with what is either a cold or allergies along with spending all day in my pajamas home with a child who has strep and my brain isn’t quite functioning at normal capacity.

So there’s your warning. Other common side effects include: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. In children, stomach pain and vomiting may occur. Do not drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Combining this podcast with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness may occur.

If you want to listen, you can click here to listen. Or here. Or, as always, you can subscribe on iTunes.

Well.

The final score didn’t go the way I hoped.

But you know what? It was one of my favorite weekends ever.

The Aggies scared them. Coach Sumlin took ten years off Nick Saban’s life. The crowd at Kyle Field was AMAZING. Johnny Manziel had the kind of insane moments that only Johnny Football can have. And Mike Evans? Is a MAN among boys.

I realize it was a loss, but in a lot of ways it felt like a big win. Because the Aggies are part of the best conference in college football and played within one touchdown of a team that is highly likely to play for a third consecutive national championship this year. A team they beat last year, by the way.

It was just five years ago that I had to endure watching my beloved Aggies lose to Arkansas State. So a loss by one touchdown to the defending National Champions? Doesn’t feel too bad.

Gulley and I left town with our tires squealing a little after 1:00 on Friday afternoon. I’d made us a road trip mix on Spotify for the trip and yes of course it included some TLC and Boyz II Men. We also may have had a sing along to Karyn White’s “Superwoman” which was one of our original bonds over twenty-something years ago.

We made a stop for a Diet Coke right outside Bastrop and then made the decision to drive through Taco Bell for some crispy beef tacos. My culinary shame will only be compounded when I also admit that I’d driven through Whataburger earlier that morning for a sausage and egg taquito. Apparently I felt like a trip back to College Station meant that I should also eat like a college student for the weekend.

Around 4:00 we arrived in College Station and felt like we needed to make at stop at The Chicken. It seemed like the right thing to do and we wanted to soak up all the pre-game atmosphere and excitement. In case you’re a former student and are wondering, The Chicken smells the same as it always did. A combination of stale beer and regret.

We stayed for a while, ran into some old friends and talked to several Alabama fans who happened to be some of the nicest fans ever. That was a big takeaway from the weekend. Every Alabama fan we encountered was gracious and mentioned how much they loved being in College Station and seeing all the Aggie traditions first hand. Also, Alabama fans wear some crazy clothes. I saw more than a fair share of khaki pants with elephants embroidered on them.

Gulley and I left The Chicken around 6:30 because we are old and really have little interest in being out after dark. We drove to Honey and Big’s house where Honey had a huge spread of food that included chicken salad and strawberry cake from Newk’s. It was an abundance of riches.

But what made it even better was the presence of Uncle Johnny and Aunt Diane along with Gulley’s other uncles, Robert and Jim. I can’t remember the last time I laughed that hard. Gulley and I debated going to Midnight Yell Practice for about five minutes but decided against it because it would have been 2 a.m. before we got back home and we wanted to be at our best and brightest for the game because Coach Sumlin needed us. We felt like the entire outcome of the game might rest on whether or not we yelled loud enough and Mamaw needed to pace herself. I’m not 21 anymore. Or 31. Or 41 for that matter.

It should come as no surprise that I popped out of bed at 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning with an energy level that could only be rivaled by a feral cat after an overdose of Sudafed and four cups of coffee. Except I wasn’t that calm.

Gulley and I got dressed for the game and Robert and Jim drove us and dropped us off on campus approximately six hours before kickoff. We spent those six hours walking across campus, going to the ESPN Gameday set, buying bottled water at the MSC, sharing our opinions on various outfits, visiting tailgates, trying in vain to text various people because AT&T is completely worthless at Kyle Field and finally making our way to our seats about thirty minutes before kickoff.

(Please note that I underwent a hair progression. From down and curled. To ponytail. To who am I kidding it’s time for a baseball cap.)

We walked up to our seats in a sea of maroon and I will tell you that I have never been hotter in my life. The weathermen had tried to sell us on the fact a cold front had blown in earlier in the day dropping the temps from 96 to a crisp, cool 94. But it felt like it was at least 145 degrees. I saw people using paper plates from tailgates as fans. And I bought myself a giant cup of ice before I walked to my seat. I used it as both a beverage and a personal cooling device for most of the first quarter.

The game started and I don’t know that I’ve ever yelled so loud. I told Gulley I’d feel like I’d failed if I still had a voice after the game and so we gave it our everything. We cheered and yelled and jumped up and down. At one point in the fourth quarter after Johnny Manziel threw that 95 yard pass to Mike Evans, the guy sitting next to me said, “I think he might be a witch”.

And I need to give a special shout out to the man in white at the corner of the upper endzone who took it upon himself to lead the entire student section in multiple rounds of “Beat the hell outta Alabama”. Kudos to you, sir. It made my whole day.

Then we just ran out of time. But I wanted to see a great game and that’s exactly what every fan got. A heart-stopping, nail-biting game. At one point I admit I might have prayed, “Lord, you parted the Red Sea. Surely you can help our defense get a stop on 3rd and 5.”

The Aggies played their guts out and never gave up and I can’t ask for more than that. And Gulley and I got a great girls’ weekend out of the whole thing. It was all a win.

After sitting in traffic for an hour, we made it back to Honey and Big’s house. I took a shower that will rank as one of my top five ever and debated whether or not I should just burn the clothes I wore to the game. We all stayed up way too late talking but it was one of those times when you hate to go to bed because you know it will be all over when you wake up in the morning.

And so it was.

Yes. I’m ready.

I could lift a school bus right now with all the adrenaline in my body. I’m not sure how I’m going to sleep tonight.

Okay. Remember last week when I featured these adorable game day boot socks by Grace and Lace?

Well, Melissa at Grace and Lace sent me a pair of them this week. And I love them SO MUCH. They are soft and cute and I wish I could wear them to the game on Saturday but I would die of a heat stroke. But come the first cold front? Those bad boys are on my feet.

But here’s the best part. Grace and Lace is offering 15% off your order when you use the code FROMBIGMAMA at checkout. And even if you aren’t a college football fan there are so many other cute sock options. And headwraps. And scarves. And arm warmers.

Go check out all the cute things at Grace and Lace and keep in mind that Christmas is coming for all the sock lovers in your life.

Now for some other things.

1. discovery boat v-neck tee

Justice and Mercy International is an amazing organization that helps orphans and acutely vulnerable children around the world. You can read all about them here.

If you’ve done Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah study, this is the organization she’s involved with in the Amazon. And my dear friend, Mary Katherine, is the Executive Director of Operations. She also happens to be a devout Alabama fan, but our friendship is stronger than our football preferences. Except for about three or so hours this Saturday.

Anyway, these cool t-shirts feature the Discovery Boat that they take down the Amazon River and proceeds from the sale of these t-shirts will go to help their ministry in the Amazon. You should totally get yourself a great t-shirt and help kids at the same time.

2. cleared my calendar blouse

I love the length and color of this top.

3. pleione pleated split neck blouse

I really like this one, too. It comes in great colors and would be great later in the season with a jacket or sweater over it.

4. palace steps printed blouse

Love the colors in this. How pretty would this look with a turquoise necklace?

5. isabella cardigan

There are certain things I see that I feel like I would wear until it finally has holes in it and I have to turn it into a dust rag. Or pajamas. Because I am very fancy that way.

This is one of those things.

6. looking forward chiffon blouse

Um. Did you think I wouldn’t feature anything maroon?

7. old navy wrap dress

Okay. I’m not really a fan of the wrap dress. But let me tell you something that might change your life like it has changed mine.

Early this summer I went to a Living Proof Live event in Atlanta. And one of the girls on the praise team had on the cutest sweater-type coat thing. Sophie and I kept discussing it on and off because we just couldn’t get over it. It was that cute.

So we took the first opportunity to ask her about it and this is what she revealed to us. It wasn’t actually a sweater-type coat thing at all. It was a wrap dress that she bought on sale and then cut the ties off and turned it into a darling long cardigan thing. And I’ve been looking for just the right wrap dress so I can totally rip off this idea.

8. in a flash cardigan

Or you could just buy this.

9. tribal print maxi cardigan

Or this. I saw this in the store the other day and thought it was really pretty. Tribal prints are really in this year. However, I do not plan to wear this with my high-waisted shorty-short cutoffs. Mainly because I would never own high-waisted shorty-short cutoffs.

10. free spirit ikat dress

I love this. Perfect to wear over leggings with some boots. It also comes in red.

So that’s it.

Have a good Friday.

Gig’em Ags. BTHO Bama!

I appreciate y’all being so patient with all my Aggie football obsessive tendencies this week. The good news is by next week it will all be over. Of course if we win I’ll have to discuss it until you want to throw your computer out the window. And if we lose? Well. I don’t know. I might be as angry as Nick Saban at a press conference where reporters ask him questions like it’s their job.

Tuesday night I kept Gulley’s boys for a couple of hours because it was back to school night at Jackson’s school and kids weren’t allowed. While they were here, we began to talk about the game and what we thought the final score might be (I’m going with 35-28 for the record. Ags win.) and then Will asked the million dollar question, “Are you and my mom gonna paint your faces for the game?”

And that’s when I knew there was indeed a line to my fanaticism.

I mean, while I MIGHT be willing to wear a maroon afro wig, I just can’t face paint.

Needless to say, Will was disappointed.

In non-game news, Caroline had some reading homework the other night. It was a worksheet with a paragraph about Queen Isabella I of Spain and contained various details about her life. At the bottom of the sheet were four multiple choice questions she was supposed to answer to check for reading comprehension.

I noticed she had the first question wrong. It read, “What can you infer about Queen Isabella from this paragraph?” And she had circled “She was an unpopular ruler who wasn’t liked by her people”. I asked, “Why did you check this answer? I don’t see anything that says she wasn’t popular.”

Caroline looked at me with a straight face and said, “Well, she obviously wasn’t popular. I’ve never heard of her.”

Well, okay then.

Too bad the story wasn’t about Taylor Swift instead.

Finally, I noticed something after a trip to HEB the other day. I bought all the things on my grocery list, including a new thing of deodorant because I was almost out. And I didn’t really pay attention to what kind I chose. I just grabbed the one that was my normal brand and threw it in the cart.

But when it came time to unload my groceries at home, I took a closer look.

This is the deodorant that I normally use.

Degree Active Clean. That seems appropriate. I’m active and I want to smell clean.

But this is what I bought this week.

Sexy Intrigue. Is it just me or does that seem awfully ambitious for a deodorant? When was the last time someone leaned in close enough to smell your armpit and said, “I am so intrigued. What is that sexy smell?”

Frankly, if your answer is anything other than never, I don’t want to hear about it.

But I guess if you are at the game on Saturday and want to find me, just follow the smell of the sexy intrigue. Heaven knows it’s going to be working overtime between the 95 degree heat and all the adrenaline coursing through my veins.