Party Time

Its that time of the year when Christmas parties are plentiful. Our couples bible study's party was the 21st and the Steeler's party the 17th.

This picture of Tuff and some of his teammates is from the Steelers Christmas party.


The kicking unit took a moment to pose with Santa and Mrs. Clause


Mr. and Mrs. Harris


On the 15th we attended our first Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game. They played their rivals the Philadelphia Flyers and won hands down. Our friend gave us the tickets and they were right up against the glass behind the goal.



In the first period within 16 game seconds, there were three fights. Below is one of them that was close to us. To me it is so silly because all they do is slip around on the ice and try to punch each other. I'm guessing that is why the referees just let them go at it; because there is almost no connected punches. The crowd wanted more.



Between one of the periods the little guys got out on the ice. It was cute because they were not even a tenth of the speed of the professionals.


Saturday the 12th we watched the Montana Grizzlies Football play in a home game playoff versus Appalachian State. For those of you who got a chance to see it, the excitement could not have been better. The Griz won and advanced to the NCAA National Championship played in Chatanooga, TN December 18th, which they sadly lost. Our friends Tyler and Maggie came to watch the game with us even though they are Clemson and Tennessee alumni.


We had some snow the last week but not quite to the extent the east coast received. We had about six inches. Tuff snapped a few shots outside our apartment door.



The Steelers are headed into their final home game versus the Ravens. My sister Dana is coming for a Pittsburgh visit and will get to attend that game with us. I already bought the toe warmers! Tuff is still on the practice squad. We will keep you updated on his status as usual.

Here is a picture of Jerry Lyn's baby Kaydee. She looks like her big sister Shawnee.

Same Job, New Number

Thanksgiving was simply lovely in West Virginia. We celebrated with our friends from Nashville, Mike and Leslie Voorheis, who were visiting Mike's dad and extended family.

Here is the feast spread out on the table.


Below is the Thanksgiving crew. Me, Tuff, Leslie, Mike, Mike's dad Gary, Gary's wife Sony, and Bob and Barbara.



Tuff loves Mike and Leslie's dog Sasha.


The day after Thanksgiving, Mike and Leslie drove into the big city of Pittsburgh to spend the afternoon and evening with us. We ate at a Mexican restaurant and Mike and Tuff arm wrestled for the bill. Then the waiter wanted in on the action and challenged Tuff that he couldn't pin him in ten seconds. Tuff did but the waiter contested that his wrist was off the table.



Some news I missed on the last blog update was that Tuff's older sister Jeri Lyn had a baby Sunday, November 22nd. It's a girl, Kaydee Maliah Harris.

Friday we attended a fundraiser event for the Chaplain of the Steelers and his wife, Kevin and Jenny Jordan. It was held in a huge home north of Pittsburgh. I think the event was successful. We really appreciate their ministry because they help us feel at home in a new place by feeding us spiritually. Kevin travels with the Steelers to give a church service for the team before games. Monday nights we attend couples bible study hosted by Kevin and Jenny, another area of their minitry. Kevin also facilitates a bible study for the Steelers players and coaches during the week. Jenny facilitates a study for the wives. Below Tuff is smiling for a picture with Kevin Jordan and Steelers head coach Mike Tomin, who was also at the event supporting the Jordan's.


Tuff bought his first full suit last week. He looks like a million bucks in it. He purchased it from Express. Turns out this brand fits him very well.


While shopping for Tuff's suit we just about rolled over laughing when Tuff tried on a series of hats at a department store. The last one was the best. I feel that the pictures do not do justice to the hilariousness of the situation. His hair is getting a little crazy and that is why we were laughing so hard.




Earlier this month we drove through Allegheny Cemetery. It's number eight on about.com's Top 10 Things to do in Pittsburgh. "One of the most picturesque places in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Cemetery is also unexpectedly romantic with 300 acres of rolling hills and monuments encompassing a wide variety of architectural styles. The cemetery houses generations of Pittsburghers back to the French & Indian war. " At first I laughed that visiting a graveyard was one of the top ten things to do but it was actually pretty cool.

The picture below is of a gravestone shaped like a tree trunk.



Many of the gravestones were big temples, housing the entire family.




Last Saturday I attended a church event with my friend Maggie. We made advent wreaths. I don't have a spot to lay the wreath anywhere so I hung it on our door instead.


Finally, the Steelers signed cornerback Anthony Madison to the roster this week. He played for the Steelers before and was number 37, Tuff's number. They told Tuff to give up his number. So now Tuff is number 31. Lots of numbers to remember and if you collect Tuff Harris jerseys, your collection is getting pretty big!