My son... as he was being dropped off at a friend's house..."I know, Mom.  I know.  Use my best manners.  Say please and thank you.  Don't drink.  Don't do drugs.  Hate Auburn."

Those words came as quite a shock to me but I could barely contain my laughter!  I don't think I ever set out  to intentionally teach my 3 children to dislike Auburn.  But looking back now, that's exactly what I did.  Living in Georgia... where the Alabama/ Auburn rivalry is not completely understood...I just wanted to make known, without a single doubt,  where my allegiance lies. Now I'm not talking tree-killing hate... just an honest and healthy rivalry. A rivalry that is fun and nerve-racking and wonderful!

So criticize me if you must, but I'm proud of my son...and my 2 Alabama-loving daughters. It is only fitting to end this with the blessing that my son says every night for dinner...

         "God is great.  God is good. Thank you for the food.  Let Auburn lose every game.  Amen."