Sic 'Em Bears!

The girl and I had quite a busy day last Thursday. What began with D.A.R.E. graduation ended with a Bears basketball game, Christmas on Fifth and IHOP. It was, as this season tends to be, a marathon and not a spring. But we enjoyed every moment of it...

Since I've already shared about the big essay and graduation, I'll now move on to the basketball game.

Riveting. I know.

Anyway, this was our first (but most definitely not our last) game of the season. As you may already know, the Bears went to the Elite Eight last year and, quite frankly, were one erroneous charge foul away from the Final Four but I digress...

Point being - they're GOOD, y'all.

Last week they played Arizona State and the game was televised on ESPN2. I have no idea why I felt that need to share that with you but I'm sure you're used to the random that is my life by now, right?

It was an absolutely delightful game, in my opinion. This is where I should probably indicate that "delightful" for me is defined by "we won." Complicated thinking, obviously.

My girl, in what appears to be becoming a pattern, was most excited about seeing the new scoreboard. It is a dandy one, that's for sure. She was most impressed and even took pictures of it with her own camera, which is a feat most inanimate objects (or people, for that matter) attain.

Isn't it pretty?

Speaking of pretty, the stars aligned just right and the girl allowed me to take a photo of her. In public, y'all. And I thought it was a mighty nice one, too.

See?

After the game we rushed across campus to enjoy the Christmas on Fifth activities but I'll save that joy for another day. Wouldn't want to cross the line into fun overload, would we?

On another note, have I mentioned the Baylor football team is going to the Texas Bowl? We (and by "we," I mean Dave) had a hunch so we made hotel reservations a couple of weeks ago and our tickets are en route. I would like to thank the team for making Christmas gift giving so much easier (and enjoyable) this year.

If you think my hair and I won't be totally out of control with excitement on December 29, well, it just may be that we don't know each other that well after all.

With that unnecessary piece of information, I bid you adieu on this brisk and chilly Thursday. :-)

D.A.R.E. to be Different

Disclosure: After leaving this event, I realized my camera was on the wrong setting pretty much the entire time. Therefore, the quality of these images is less than the average cell phone. Please accept my apologies. :-)

My girl has been going through the D.A.R.E. program this year as part of her Language Arts class. While I initially couldn't see a correlation between the two, it turns out that you must write an essay to graduate from the program and therein lies the relationship.

At least that's my understanding.

Which means it could be 100% wrong. 

Anyway, last Thursday was the big graduation and my girl begged me to rearrange my schedule so that I could attend. Because she's unwilling to be seen in public with me the majority of the time these days (have I mentioned that she's a full fledged TWEEN?!?!), I quickly jumped at the opportunity.

The night before she quickly informed me that I no longer needed to come. Nope - not even appearance was necessary. Clearly this was a red flag that indicated a need for prying. And I learned some delightful (to me and yet mortifying to her) information. But I'll leave you hanging for a minute...

May I present the D.A.R.E. officer?

Ok, here's your first clue as to why she didn't want me there...

It turns out that she won the essay contest for her class and had to read it - OUT LOUD AND WITH A MICROPHONE - to all in attendance. We couldn't have been more proud. She did a really fantastic job as well.

All of the respective winners received a D.A.R.E. gift bag complete with pencils and a sharpener. Her obvious delight at this gift made me question all of the purchases I've made for Christmas because it would appear we could have gotten off a lot cheaper.

But I digress.

Clearly my photography skills are mad, y'all, because I managed to get a fantastic photo of my child receiving walking off the stage after getting her diploma.

She also received a medal. Which broke before she got home. But she fixed it all by herself. With tape, no less. It's now her pride and joy, which is only fitting, because she is ours.

Blinding Light

There are few things I love more than our church, y'all. Quite frankly, the group of women with whom I spend my Wednesday nights in the Mom to Mom class are some of my favorite people. And not just because it provides a mid-week respite from child-rearing and work. Or the fantastic meals served beforehand that are complete with dessert I feel a NEED to eat because it would just be rude not to partake.

We laugh. We cry. We grow. We celebrate. We comfort. We support. And we talk. A lot.

On the way home from our trip to Cowboys Stadium, after I'd had one of those parenting moments I'd like to forget (and did ask forgiveness for) after melting down over Tay losing her phone less than two months after getting it, I randomly decided to check my email.

This isn't something I do on a regular basis when I'm not working because I like to unplug (a bit - there's still Twitter and Jewels that call my name) and hang with the fam...but I felt a need to check it and so I did.

What I found there made my jaw drop because one of the ladies in our Mom to Mom class, who was only 36, passed away unexpectedly on Thanksgiving evening.

I didn't even know what to say to that, y'all, because it broke my heart. Last Tuesday I attended her funeral and my heart was further saddened by the many pictures of her enjoying life with her husband and beautiful children.

WHY?!?!?!?

That's what kept running through my mind. Over and over and over again.

Fast forward a bit to last Friday night when Dave and I took food over to the family. We visited with her husband a bit and I was overcome with sadness. The kind you just can't shake off. And it lasted through an unplanned movie night with the man and the girl. And kept me up for quite a while as well, which gave me some time to pray. Repeatedly.

When I woke up Saturday morning and headed to Zumba, I was feeling better but - to be quite frank - my heart still hurt for the family left behind. And then it happened.

While I was working out and wondering how I can do this type of workout every week and still look so awkward, the sun shone brightly - and I do mean BRIGHTLY - through one of the windows and directly in my eyes.

That light seemed to follow me no matter how much we moved around (which is a lot) and was so bright that I literally had to look down...

Out of nowhere these words came to me and they have stuck with me - HE'S STILL HERE.

In all of the darkness and sadness of this fallen world, through tragedies that will not make sense on this side of heaven and pain that seems relentless. No matter what, He's still here.

He's sitting on the throne surrounded by a dazzling and blinding light that we can't comprehend but rely upon each and every day. I have no idea why this happened but I do know this - He's still here and He's not going anywhere.

And that's enough.

I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

Jeremiah 31:13

When you have big sisters...

...it's just easier...

...to sleep with your bone...

...just to be on the safe side...

Randomocity at Its Finest

A few things I've learned this week, in no particular order:

1. You can make a camel stay in one place but you can't make him look at your camera.

2. My daughter is only up for pictures with her family these days if she's allowed to choose a dark alley where no one will see her enjoying our company.

3. Santa should never purchase the first wish out of a child's mouth because said child believes last minute requests must be honored because "the elves custom make everything."

4. Injuries sustained during high school never stop giving back through the gift of arthritic pain.

5. The Lady Bears are rockin' the house this season.

6. The men's basketball team just may be on a mission to bring the backboards down this season. And I, for one, think that's pretty funny. Of course, I'm also not someone who would have to replace a backboard so, you know, I'm probably not the best judge.

7. In a little over 48 hours we'll know for sure where our bowl bound football team is headed. Our little fam has a guess and we've already booked a hotel room. Hope we're headed in the right direction. Literally.

8. Life is short. Sometimes, it seems, way too short. So live, love, laugh and pray. OFTEN.

9. Friends and family are treasures and they can be gone before you know it. As our pastor said at the funeral of a friend earlier this week, let's "major on people."

10. I got nothing but just thought it would be weird to end on 9.

Happy weekend, friends!

The Clampetts Go To Town

I realize there has been no Thanksgiving post yet but we didn't celebrate the holiday with my family until Saturday and, honestly, that's a post entirely of itself due to some pet drama. Yes, it runs in the genes. We did celebrate with Dave's family by having breakfast at Whataburger (yes, you read that correctly) and lunch at his sister's house. It was delightful and I got to play with a 3-week-old puppy that still had puppy breath - can I get a hallelujah?

Anyway, I was so busy playing that no photos were taken. Tay took off with her dad after the Macy's parade and Dave and I just hung out. Kid-free. Now it's time for the amen. :-)

We did have dinner at IHOP (are you getting the idea we did no cooking?) and I can promise you that the Pumpkin Praline Pancakes will both rock your world and your taste buds. Just don't think about the calories and blame it on a holiday. And by "holiday" I pretty much mean any day ending in "y."

We did do something really exciting the day after Thanksgiving, though, and it involved no shopping, fighting over bargains or getting up at an unholy hour. We loaded up the newest member of the Puppy Posse and the girl and the Clampetts headed to town, y'all - The Big D.

Our high school football team was in the playoffs and were playing at none other than Cowboys Stadium. We thought this would be a fabulous way to see the stadium without paying Jones-esque prices. The girl had been really wanting to see the stadium. Why, you ask? Well, because she wanted to see the giant screen. Priorities, people.

Behold, the large screen...

It really is amazing and, quite frankly, if I had found a way to transport that cushioned and roomy seat back to Floyd Casey Stadium, there would be one missing in Section 231. Alas, though, they secured those babies really well.

My man just took in all of the names of legends around him in wonder. He was thoroughly impressed and I was so stinkin' glad he was able to see this monstrous venue because he does love the Cowboys. He even asked me to photograph some big names.

Anyone else think it's ironic they had "try a little tenderness" in a football stadium? I mean, I realize they were talking about chicken but still...

Anyway, it was about this point I had to remind my man about our 11-year age difference because the names were no longer familiar...

Anyway, back to what the girl came for - the jumbotron!

Before the game started they played what seemed like copious highlights for a team who's logged only three wins this season. But, you know, to each their own...

Someone was very excited. Why? Because her friend was finally arriving, which meant she didn't have to sit with the "crazy football people" anymore. Her words. Not mine.

They both posed for a picture. Can you believe it? Clearly football is magical.

But wait - there's more - the parent shot! Photography credits to the girl.

Then  it was time...

It was a great first half. A defensive battle, if you will. We were ahead 10-7 as the second quarter ran down. We battled our nerves with $10 popcorn (thanks, Jerry, for the souvenir bucket) and a delightful performance from the band.

By the beginning of the fourth quarter, we were still winning. Our opponent's mascot was a Red Raider and I was hopeful this battle against a Raider in the Dallas area would be more successful than our last. 'Twas not to be, though. We gave up a safety and a pick 6, which turned out to be the difference in the game.

I don't fault our team one bit, though, because they played with gusto and were so much fun to watch all season. And if I ever figure out what's in the water in Denton, Texas, you can get your bottom dollar I will bottle it up and sell it because they grow 'em BIG there, y'all.

Bless sweet Rambo's heart - he was such a good boy in his hotel room. Yep, you read that correctly as well. He had his very own queen size bed with a view while we were at the game and while we had dinner at Pappadeaux's. One word: YUM.

We won't discuss how my girl left her phone on the table at the restaurant. Or how we had to replace it via insurance on the way home. Nope, we will not.

I shall instead leave you with an adorable photo to bless your day.

And, yes, the Clampetts made it back to the country without incident.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Baylor Football 2010 was - for the most part - absolutely delightful. As with any up and coming program, there were a couple of hitches and our guys were bit with the injury bug more than most would know because, well, when one went down, someone else stepped up immediately. Without question. And with excitement.

That, my friends, is what I call a T-E-A-M.

Before I let you in on what I learned this season, please let me give you a recap of our last game: 1) We played OU. 2) OU finally began playing like OU. Lucky us. 3) We tailgated. 4) We scored some points. 5) They scored more. 5) Bob Stoops looks funny trying to pry his players, who looked to be ready for a fight of some kind, off of ours.

The end.

Now, on to some insight I've gleaned since we began play in August.

1. Some of our new recruits could star in a Pantene commercial.

Exhibit A: Robert T. Griffin 

2. Coach Art Briles (aka CAB) is quite the gambler. (On the field. Not starting gossip, friends.)

 And I like it.

3. Our defense is much faster this year. We also have a great defensive class coming next year. That sound you hear, folks, is the Pat Neff bells squealing in delight.

4. We have added to our family since the beginning of football season. Bittersweet. 

5. Bruiser is not afraid to aim his Supersoaker at fans from other schools who try to crash the March of the Bears line. Said fans' reactions are quite comical.

6. Robert Griffin III (RG3) is amazing. Both on the field and off. He is also a Heisman candidate. My prediction is you'll see him on some sort of stage in the next two years.

7. We are going to miss Jay Finley and Kendall Wright.

8. If I took Rambo's approach to football (instead of the one that has owned me this season), my blood pressure would be much more manageable.

9. My sweet girl is mortified by the behavior of her parents at football games.

10. My dad has a super sweet tailgating set up and makes a MEAN cheeseburger.

11. Leaders like Danny Watkins and Phil Taylor (pictured below) will be sorely missed. Also, I believe we've figured out which parent Phil got his football gene from...

12. President Starr "gets it" when it comes to both Baylor as a whole and the importance athletics plays in the life of our students. He also runs with the Baylor Line without breaking a sweat or needing a break on the 50 yard line, which is much more than I would be able to achieve.

13. The student body as a whole couldn't be more proud of their team.

14. We are bowl bound, y'all, and my family can't wait to cheer the team to victory later this month. We will then proceed to the next logical step, which is being obnoxious about our amazing basketball teams.

15. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Baylor family and have made countless - and priceless memories - with our family this season.

Sic 'em, Bears!