It's "JIMMERTIME"

I've been a BYU fan for literally 45 + years.
My older brother Paul says I would listen to BYU sports when I was in kindergarten.
And then when technology progressed and college sports finally got big on tv, I would watch whatever was available.
I've pretty much been consumed with sports my whole life, basically being raised as a 5th boy after four older brothers. I love sports.
But it wasn't until 1978, when I graduated from high school, that I zeroed in specifically on BYU and no other college. I was, after all, on my way to the Y a day after I walked my high school graduation ceremony and I was feeling the college spirit.
My first semester at BYU had the all time famous Marc Wilson as starting quarterback but then in came Jim McMahon, who ended up taking BYU to the now ever famous Holiday Bowl, aka, The Miracle Bowl. Danny Ainge was an All American on the basketball team and made us famous in the last 8 seconds, going the length of the court for a game winning lay up against Notre Dame. And so it went, year after year after year at BYU, producing the occasional stand out who went pro in their designated sport...Steve Young, Ty Detmer, Devin Durrant, Greg Kite, Fred Roberts, Kelly Poppinga, VIa Sikahima, Junior Mahe, Brandon Doman, Max Hall and my all time favorite - Austin Collie. Of course, there are MANY others, all of which I can't remember right now, but only because right now, my focus is on only one man....
Jimmer Fredette....if you bleed blue, or have ever bled blue in the past, you know who Jimmer Fredette is. And at this point, if you follow college basketball at all, you have heard the name Jimmer Fredette. In fact, if you live in the United States and have turned your tv channel to Sports Center, you have heard of Jimmer Fredette. And one more past that...even if you haven't turned your tv channel to Sports Center but you've watched the National news, you have heard of Jimmer Fredette. AND if you haven't, you just don't matter....Only one event in the sports world is being discussed more than that of Jimmer Fredette right now...and that would be The Super Bowl, scheduled for play this Sunday. Otherwise, Jimmer is...the man.
He's a senior at BYU - his story is sweet - his shots are sweeter...all American sweetheart of basketball. Yeah, I'm in awe - of his talent, humility and skill...huge crush. I'm loving his games along with the rest of the nation. So cool to turn to ANY and ALL sports channels and hear every commentator throwing his name around - comparing all players and teams to him and BYU...fun to hear the three point shot called 'Jimmer range' - his moves called 'Jimmer style' and his gametime called 'Jimmertime'. We're a sports world obsessed with Jimmer Fredette.
And I love it.
And it's time....
today's game starts right now...
It's Jimmertime....

BAHAHA - P.S. Before posting this entry, I pressed spell check to check all mis-spellings - HAHAHA - over 30 corrections to be made...apparently, BLOG has not been watching SPORTS CENTER - it's never heard of Jimmer Fredette...
Love it!

P.S.S. - Even with Jimmer having a 32 point game, BYU suffers a loss...ouch. Hard to get over those...:(

"Cute as a Bug"

Kathryn and I went to the movies today.
Her heart has been a little 'tender' lately - hurt...
She wanted to see a chick flick. I think she wanted to cry and needed a 'reason'.
So I went with her. And she cried.
When we came out and got to the car, she wanted me to drive. She ALWAYS likes to drive when I'm with her because the rule is, whoever is driving gets to pick the music. I always pick oldies...which to her, is anything before the turn of the century. But just lately, if you've read my FB and/or blog, I'm going through an ABBA phase and she knew I would put on Take a Chance on Me and let it blast...which I did.
She didn't join in though on the singing and after a few seconds, I reached over and turned off the music, just as she burst into tears.
Weeping and wailing - slight gnashing of teeth..."Will I ever fall in love...?" "Will anyone ever really love me..?" etc etc....
Of course, my thoughts are 'don't over react - just listen to her - try not to laugh - be compassionate - try not to roll my eyes - be patient'...all of this while driving. Such talent.
I finally reply with comforting words of 'you're still young - yes there is someone special out there...probably more than one - you'll fall in love - don't worry ' etc - her response?
"BUT I'M ALREADY 18!! How old were YOU mom??"
It was all I could do to suppress my laughter and stay focused on her pain?
'Well Kathryn, the first time I really fell in love was at age 19...you have plenty of time'.
It certainly wasn't WHAT she said next, but HOW SHE SAID IT that finally let loose the dam of laughter....
" BUT MOM, YOU WERE UGLY!!!!!".
Well.....(huff)
I SHOULD have had my feelings hurt but I couldn't seem to find that emotion through my laughter. Of course, when she realized what she had said and how she had said it, she spent the next 10 minutes trying to apologize for her words. I refused her apology as it would have meant that I could no longer freely laugh my head off.
According to some, I was 'cute as a bug' at age 19...I think I'm more disappointed by THAT description of what I thought was a very mature young WOMAN, just coming into her self and seeing a little of her hopeful future beauty surfacing after years of a severe 'plain jane' stage. Sure, I wasn't able to turn many heads but I was only wanting to turn one. If I had known at the time that I was perceived as a 'bug', I would have made every effort to not be such a 'pest'.
After much discussion of how 'her day would come' and 'not to worry about what would eventually happen at the right time', Kathryn was okay. It had been, after all, at least 10 minutes. It passed...as does most of the drama of a teenager.
It's been ME who has spent the past few hours trying to reconcile the fact that at age 19, I wasn't anything more than a very old teenager myself....experiencing all the emotions of being in love for the first time. I remember every feeling , every thought and every dream I had with that first love. I probably WAS just 'cute as a bug' - wanting so desperately to be more than that.
But that wouldn't come until years later...when that cute little bug would become a 'Lady Bug'.
For now, I have to help my 'cute little bug' realize that her 'Lady Bug' years are much further in her future - to be patient - waiting for someone to find her past her teenage years. It will happen..and when it does, she'll be glad that someone sees her for more than the pest she was.

Past the Plateau

Finally - broke the 20 pound mark.
I've lost 21 pounds so far - started Nov.4th.
Halfway there...
Dang this is hard...much harder than when I was 20 years younger!!!
I'm going to have to buy new clothes...darn it.
And keep exercising...but I'm actually enjoying my walking -
I talk to myself the whole 30 minutes...scary...really scary.
When I finally die, I'm going to be really healthy...
and thin....

Jordan and Lexi's Wedding Day

There are hundred's of pictures and I haven't had any time to go through any of them, so I just picked 5 really quickly to put with this post, but needless to say, I will be posting more and more over the coming days...
Well, my son is married. Yesterday was a lovely day - cold, but still pretty. The morning was spent in getting ready and trying to keep Jordan calm and level headed...non of which went well. Jordan had been dazed for two days and that morning was no different. He came and was visiting with me and Kylie - telling us how Lexi is a snuggler and he's nervous that he's NOT a snuggler...we laughed for hours and just had a good time. Kylie helped him with his hair and then he went and got dressed in his suit. He looked really handsome and I found myself getting a little teary as I watched him shuffle from side to side trying to keep busy. I wanted to hug him to calm his nerves but knew he was not in a hugging mood, so I left him to his shuffling. He left to go pick up Lexi shortly after.
The rest of us drove to the temple in plenty of time to get Kathryn situated in the waiting area with Preston, greet a few guests and then I was invited to go in and help Lexi dress in to her temple robes. Her escort wasn't there, so I calmly took over the role and was glad to spend a few quiet moments with my future daughter in law. I realized at that moment how very little I know about Lexi, having only met her once before that day. But I watched her as she absorbed most of what was happening and quietly discussed with her some of the significant events that were going to happen within the hour. Then, I was taken into the sealing room where I waited with all the other invited guests...grateful for family and special friends that had come to share in Jordan and Lexi's special day.
Daddy did a nice sealing ceremony - I found my mind wandering a little...away from what was happening in the room and thought about some significant people in my life that WEREN'T there. I was sad...but then refocused on the events at hand...After the sealing, I helped Lexi remove her robes and then was able to escort her to another room where her mother had been given permission to help Lexi dress in her wedding dress. I ended up helping also and after about 30 minutes, Lexi was able to join with Jordan and go outside and greet all of their guests who were waiting outside the temple.
It was at around this point that I kind of just went numb to the remaining events of the day. Pictures were taken for about an hour - and it was cold to most - about 30'. I didn't feel the cold.
But of course, I didn't feel much of anything. I was busy trying to keep peace between Lexi's two sides of her divorced family - making sure mom and dad stayed out of each other's way and that no-one was offended over anything. There was only about an hour break before we needed to be over at the reception center so we went back to Lon's home where several of us had a quick something to eat, thaw out and then head over to the BYU Skyroom.
Everything was decorated beautifully - Jordan and Lexi looked great and we had about 105 total guests for a nice dinner and reception. A little drama with not even tables being set as we had a few more people show up than invited...and Lexi's mom not wanting to sit at the head table with the other parents and grand parents...but overall, when the night was over, I was pleased with the result of the day's events....
After Jordan and Lexi left for their honeymoon, we left about 30 minutes later and went to Lon and Loraine's home where we stayed up late in to the evening visiting with family before finally crashing after 1:00 a.m.
I was up most of the night though...couldn't sleep...thinking of Jordan being married.
A child's wedding day is always one that gives a parent much thought and contemplation of memories of the past.
Jordan was a great kid; fun to raise - always made me laugh...a good son. I will miss him. I'm not going to fool myself that it will be the same, because it won't. Lexi is his life now, as it should be. I will miss being the one he calls to talk to...I will miss being the one he laughs with - he's sad with and who he asks advice from...it's Lexi now.
I wish them much joy and happiness...

Work, Play and Pampering the Girls

The girls played Wii with Lon and Lorraine last night and had a blast.
Then today, we went over to Rebecca's and did some last wedding stuff - the picture frames and the dying of rock salt purple for the center pieces. Then the girls both had their hair colored and cut from Diana, our Utah hair stylist and both girls got bangs and Kathryn went real blond and Kylie went brown...both girls look fantastic, even with their horrendous cold sores!!! Diana shaped up my hair also, but nothing drastic. We caught up on some of our Utah friends and the ward gossip before going out to The Pizza Factory for dinner....then here to Lon and Lorraine's where I plan on staying the rest of the night with a good book. The girls have gone down stairs to try and play Wii on their own...
Del, Michael, Lexi and Jordan all arrive tomorrow. We will have a busy tomorrow getting last minute things done and then meeting family and friends tomorrow night before the big day Saturday. Of course, my friend Charlie has arrived today, a week earlier than expected and so I am both emotional and tired, not a good combination for the weekend of my son's wedding. I will be taking slow, deep breaths for the next few days to make sure I stay calm and collected throughout all the upcoming events. I don't want anything ruined because of my lack of sleep or unexpected visitor....can't be about me....

Something in the Utah Air

Being away from Texas is making me do things I wouldn't normally do -
So, I had to document them so I would have proof when I told my husband that I actually ate...
COOKED CARROTS!!! Yes, you read that right....
I hate cooked carrots.... always have and probably always will. But these?? Were actually okay - sliced, buttered and salted with sea salt. And I ate them....picture proves it.
I started the day with Kylie coloring my hair - I'm back to no gray and auburn color. Then play time with Preston before going over to Rebecca's so Preston could meet his great grandpa and grandma - Rebecca and I did some wedding plans - spray painting some picture frames and then we played games for a few hours before returning here to Lon and Loraines home for dinner and rest. I had a phone conversation with the bride and groom to be and then went down stairs where is appears we will be having a fun night of Wii going on.

Leaving, on a Jet Plane...

We're in Utah...
the plane left about an hour late as it was about an hour late arriving from Pittsburgh in the first place. So we just chilled at the airport in Dallas until it was time to board. Then, once on our way, we made really good time, cutting off about 45 minutes being behind. Preston slept the whole trip - I tried to...I always wear scrubs when I travel...no make up and usually flip flops. I was in usual form except the snow eliminated the comfort of the flip flops. Other than that though, the trip was normal - I picked up the rental car, we went quickly to visit my mother before going over to my sister Rebecca's and then stopped at a taco place for a quick bite to eat before going back to Becca's to watch the BYU basketball game. Another win for the Cougars....
Now, we are over at Del's brothers home in Alpine, where we will be staying the next 6 days of our trip...Kylie is nursing Preston in the other room, Kathryn is downstairs reading in her room before going to bed and I am finishing up here before hitting the sack myself.
Weird being in Utah again...not like last summer. I'm feeling a little connection here this time...going to go visit some friends tomorrow and drive by some familiar places. Then I have some wedding things to do with Rebecca for the next few days. Going to keep taking pictures of our comings and goings and try to blog every day....mainly want to try and express some of my emotions and feelings as the big day gets closer.

It's My Birthday

I'm 51 today...
birthday wishes from family and friends....
feeling a few mixed emotions....
hard to explain the hole in my heart...
good year to work on healing it.

Kathryn Turns 18

Well, my baby turned 18 today. I remember when she was born - my only c-section - emergency. Not a real pleasant experience because it wasn't what I had planned for...but, things have turned out better than I could have wished for...in most areas.
So, I took her and Kylie out to lunch today and then tonight, Del and I took the girls out to dinner to celebrate the birthday again. We went to the movies beforehand - 'The Tourist' with Johnny Depp, my new man crush. Such a good movie...really enjoyed it. It was my second time seeing it.
Then we gave Kathryn her birthday present - or really, she CHOSE her gift from three different options we gave her.
1- $200 cash 2 - 1 hour ride in a private plane, possibly doing the actual flying - or 3- sky diving...
She chose the sky diving. I knew she would. She's crazy like that. Jordan chose that at age 18 also. So Del will go with her when the weather gets a little warmer...
So, a very happy birthday to my baby dolly.
Hope she knows how much I love her...

A Toast - To the New Year

Last night, Kathryn had to work..
Del was in bed by 11:00 and me??
I sat alone watching the New Year come in on t.v. while watching football.
Well, this morning was going to be different.
I love the Doobie Brothers...teenager at the dances...
so, bright and early, I blasted Doobie Brothers...CHINA GROVE and started rocking out!!!
Kathryn joined me in the front room while Del watched us dance, song after song after song.
After about 30 minutes, we dropped to the floor rolling with laughter....

So, I offer a toast - to the year 2011..
may you be filled with laughter and joy...
with tears and heartache...
with successes and failures...
with understanding and appreciation of the journey..
with dancing, with mourning, with loving and being loved....
and may each moment be stored and memorized in my mind and heart forever...
to...(and I raise my glass)..
2011.
Cheers...