Happy Birthday, Jamie

A birthday shoutout to Chris' sis, Jamie! Hope you're enjoying your special day!!! :)

Sinking to Their Level

That's right. If Nick Saban thought it necessary to run up the score for no apparent reason, then I don't feel like being a gracious loser. With less than 2 minutes left in the game and Alabama up by 10 points, there was no need for Saban to allow his team to try for another score. UT freshman backup quarterback, Garrett Gilbert, was sacked within 10 yards of Alabama's end zone, which forced a fumble that (unfortunately) Alabama recovered within the 5 yard line. At that point, the game was theirs. I know why they went for the extra score (to make it appear that the game wasn't as close as it actually was), but that doesn't excuse him for his actions. Saban has no class and neither do Alabama fans that stand by his unsportmanlike decision. Okay. I think I said what I needed to say. I'm done venting...for now. ;)

Now, I would like to say one thing positive about the game. I would like to commend my Longhorns for their great effort. The entire team definitely looked confused and upset after McCoy's injury and the first half stats tell that story. But I'm so proud of how they came out in the second half. The defense made the necessary stops in the third quarter to keep the game within reach. The offense was able to bring us within three with three minutes left. Unfortunately turnovers (because of silly mistakes) led to our demise. Overall, though, we showed great heart by coming out and giving our all out there. I love my Longhorns and can't wait to see what they do next year.

Hook 'em!!! :)

Ready for Roses...

The day has finally arrived! The Texas Longhorns' season comes down to this final, important game. It's been building since last summer. UT was expected to make it to the BCS Championship game but, with so much pressure on them to do so, I was almost sure they would drop the ball somewhere. Thankfully, they lived up to expectation and, as predicted, are in Pasadena to play the biggest game of their lives.

When I think about the scenario, it really feels like déjà vu. On January 4, 2006, UT played in what I consider to be the greatest game in college football history. The Longhorns faced the top-ranked USC Trojans and were considered the underdogs from the start. In other words, UT was the poor lamb sent to slaughter. Reggie Bush, a running back for USC was awarded the Heisman Trophy for the year while Vince Young, the UT quarterback who had an outstanding season (one of legend), was denied. The outcome of that game, my friends- Texas 41, USC 38.

Well, this year's matchup is eerily similar. The Longhorns are predicted to lose to a strong Alabama team. Colt McCoy was a Heisman Candidate, but lost to Mark Ingram, a running back for the Tide. UT is back in Pasadena, California in the Rose Bowl. It can't all just be coincidence, can it? Four year later, history could repeat itself. My hope is that it does and my Texas Longhorns come away with the crystal ball...again...

The game starts at 7 PM CST on ABC. I'll be watching, hoping and praying that UT can pull out the win.

If you're a Longhorn fan, get your horns up!!! :)

See...even Saban wants us to win. ;)

Hook 'Em!!! :)

Congratulations to Christopher's flag football team for winning 2nd Place in their football league!

They made it to the championship game last night, but had a heartbreaking loss in the final. When I congratulated him, he said they were the "first place losers", so I thought the above trophy was appropriate. ;)

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

So 2009 has come and gone in a blink. We had quite a busy past year! We moved into our first home, had our first full year as husband and wife, Christopher's sister, Misty, married JD in July, both of us had our class reunions (mine I actually had to help plan), we had our big trip to Ireland and the UK, plus I was singing with the Genepool Band and working on my photography (with Chris attending every show and assisting me with every shoot). Whew! We were running around all year!

As much fun as we had in '09, we're ready for a new, exciting year filled with adventures! We're hoping to take a couple of trips (not sure where yet). We can't wait for Angeleque and Hunter's wedding in Alabama on May 1st. And we're ecstatic to welcome a new addition to Christopher's side of the family! That's right, my friends, Misty and JD are expecting their first child in August!!!

2010 appears as though it's going to be one fantastic year. Let's hope it's a great one for all of you, too! :) Happy New Year!!!

Ooops!

So for the few of you who check and read our blog on a regular basis, this is for you-

Sorry!!!

It's been a crazy couple of months where Chris and I haven't had a real moment to get anything done. We're both pretty swamped at work and then we've been busy trying to get things done around the house. I promise when I get a free moment to get back to working on keeping everyone updated!!! Hope all is well!

TX/OU Weekend

This past weekend, Ryan, Chris and my mom went to see the Texas Longhorns take on the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl here in Dallas. For those of you that aren't big college football fans, this is one of the biggest games of the season for UT (and OU, too), therefore the tickets are hard to come by.

Whataburger is a big UT sponsor and since Ryan is the Marketing Representative over the Austin area, she was able to snag us tickets to this year's game! When she gave me the news that week, I couldn't believe it- it took everything I had not to squeal with glee while sitting at my desk at work. I immediately called Chris to give him the great news! Ryan knew that she, Chris and I would be going, but she still had one ticket up for grabs. I threw out a few friends' names here in Dallas, but when my mom mentioned she wouldn't mind driving up to see it, Ryan and I were all for it (plus it helped so that none of my friends felt snubbed).

Both Ryan and my parents arrived in Dallas Friday night. Once everyone unloaded their belongings, we headed to Pappadeaux for dinner and then to a bar for some karaoke! Ryan, Chris and my dad all went up there and performed like pros (well, Chris was the showman and Ryan and my dad were great vocalists). I wish I would've thought to take pictures. :(

The next morning was the big game! We left the house at 8:45 AM so we could make sure we got into our seats by 11 AM. Thank goodness we left with plenty of time because we got to our seats with only ten minutes to spare before kickoff!

The game was an ugly one with both teams only scoring one touchdown each and the rest of the points being field goals. The first half felt like it was the longest in college football history, lasting a little over two hours (a typical college game lasts 3 hours for all four quarters). I can't complain, though, because we still had a great time. The weather was beautiful- sunny with cool breezes periodically. We all got a little burnt, but it was worth it. WE WON! Final score 16- 13! Like I said, it wasn't a pretty win, but I'll take it! :)

(Click to see the enlarged version)

I couldn't decide which pictures would best showcase what a great time we had at the game, so I decided to make a collage with some of our photos from both the game and the fair

Chris and I during the game

Ryan, mom, Chris and I celebrating right after the BIG WIN!!

After the game, it was time to hit the State Fair of Texas! It was so packed with all the people leaving the game. We had to fight our way out of the vicinity of the stadium to get some walking room, but once we did that, we were able to make our way to my favorite fair treats- funnel cakes and corny dogs!

Eating our Fletcher's corny dogs! :)

After having our taste of fair food, we took Ryan and my mom to see Big Tex because you can't go to the fair for the first time and not see him.

Me with the first time fair-goers, my mom and Ryan, in front of Big Tex

After that, we were ready to head home to keep my dad and Shamrock company. Later that evening we all went to Pappasitos for dinner and then called it a night. The next morning everyone left and we were off to our photo shoot of Cohen Jones (more on that in the next blog entry).

Ryan- thank you for thinking of and taking us along as your guests!!!! We had a fantastic time and it's all thanks to you! :)

Mom and Dad- So glad you could make the trip up to Dallas to watch the game and hang out with us! Love you!