On a Break....

I haven't posted in over a week and I have a very good explanation for that. SWINE FLU!!! That's right folks....I got it. And let me tell you, it is NO BUENO. The cough is enough to kill you, and a fever of 103.8 for an adult just doesn't seem right. But, I am getting better. I'm on Day 10 now, and my cough seems to be subsiding a bit, and I went all day yesterday with NO fever. (It came back at night.) Hugh and the kids have been taking very good care of me. I just sort of lay here like a stuffed pig. Get it! Stuffed Pig?? I'm so funny. Hopefully I'll be up and running (well, maybe walking) by the weekend. Until then...Oink! Oink!

Random Pics from the Tournament

I seriously took over 600 pictures....and most of them look the same! Here are just a few....

Smiling.....

Connor waited right here each time they were changing sides. He was hoping Andre would notice him. He did get this ball signed after the match was over. Way to go Connor!

More smiling....

I caught him staring at me so many times!!! Geez Andre! Take a picture...it'll last longer!

Connor and I left a bit late, and caught Andre going to his car!

Just before this was taken, Connor said "Bye Andre" and Andre replied "Bye Buddy!" Awesome!

Saturday afternoon....I'm not sure what this face is for, but I thought it was cute.

Andre doing his traditional "blow kisses and bow" after his win.

Couldn't Have Been Any Better

On Sunday, Courtney & I went back out to Surprise to watch Andre play Todd Martin in the finals. But this time, we were able to sit front row right behind the players. This was thanks to my two new Andre stalking BFF's who had flown in from Ohio & Colarado to see him. They had to fly out Sunday morning, so they gave us their tickets! Anyway, I had brought an 8x10 picture of Andre & I from Saturday with me, and Courtney & I wore matching Agassi bedazzled shirts! We looked so cute!!

Then, the best thing happened! When Andre & Todd were walking out onto the court, Andre was waving to the crowd, and he did a double take when he saw me - or should I say...saw my shirt - and he SMILED! He recognized me!!! The lady behind me even frantically grabbed my shoulders and said "He saw your shirt!!" It was awesome. After his match, he signed my photo, and he signed both my and Courtney's shirts. (I forgot to take pictures of those, but I will soon).

Andre smiled and joked a lot during the tournament. I loved it.

What a serve!

I love this picture. Actually, I love them all. All 600+ of them!

Still has an amazing forehand!!

It was a dream weekend...one I will NEVER forget.

Check That Off of My Bucket List

Well, today was the Meet & Greet with my main man Andre Agassi. What we (meaning all of the guests who paid an arm and a leg for their tickets) thought we were getting was an actual Meet & Greet - you know, meet the players, autographs, photos, groping, etc. However, it turned out to just be a Question & Answer period. To say that we were angry would be an understatement. Some people flew here from as far away as Canada for this event. Fortunately for us, we only had to drive 20 minutes. Anyway, Andre & Jim Courier came out last. We were all hootin' and hollerin' (some of us more than others....) and excited to see them. Hugh & I were in the front row of the crowd. The emcee said to Jim "Don't you love this crowd?? Aren't they beautiful??" and Jim answered "Yes...and I especially love her shirt" - pointing directly at ME and my bedazzled "Agassi" shirt that I made.

(You see? Pointing right at me!!)

At this moment, I was on the spot. Andre lookeded DIRECTLY at me and smiled and laughed. HE LOOKED AT ME!!!!

He's looking right at me...and wondering when I've been all of his life.

The emcee said "Well, I think you (meaning me) better get up here and get a picture!!!" There were 350 people there who were told that NO pictures were allowed, but I was being asked to go up for my photo op! Hugh had the camera (thankfully) and clicked away. I went up to Jim first and told him that there wasn't enough room on my shirt for his name. (Of course, being the Agassi stalker that I am...I never considered putting Courier on my shirt..) Jim hugged me, and then I turned to my left...and there he was!! Andre Agassi! Right there! He opened his arms and HUGGED ME!!! It was fantastic!!!!!!

I held on for as long as I could.

Parting is such sweet sorrow...

My heart was RACING!

Check out the way he's looking at me! I'm his new BFF.

I then was able to get a few pictures with both Jim & Andre (I can crop Jim out later) and I was able to tell Andre that I've been a HUGE fan for over 20 years and even had a 6 foot cardboard cut out of him in my dorm room. He laughed. I made Andre laugh. I then told him what an honor and dream it was to meet him. He shook my hand and said "thanks" and then back to my seat I went. I literally had to sit down because I was shaking. Once I sat down and realized what had just happened, I started crying. I couldn't believe it. It was literally a dream to meet him, but what happened - and how it happened - was way more than I expected. What a day....

Andre, me & Jim....unbelievable.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

( Hugh's mom Pam & her husband Bob)

Today is the great day that a wonderful woman was born. This is the woman who gave birth to a 10 pound baby boy who I ended up marrying. This wonderful Christian woman loves her family fiercely and would protect them to her dying day. This woman raised five beautiful, caring children who inherited her love for family. This woman taught her children, and is teaching her grandchildren, to love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with all of their might. This woman has a love for shoes unmatched by anyone else I know. This woman is stunning to see. This woman is beautiful in every way.

It is my honor to call her Mom.

Pioneer Woman Comes to Town

One of my favorite blogs to read (actually, it's more like stalk) is Pioneer Woman. She's funnier than heck, a crazy good photographer (her blog has tons of photo tips), and her "Love Story" was one of my favorite things to read. I seriously have a Girl Crush on her. So imagine my excitement when I checked her blog yesterday and found out that she is coming to Tempe for her book tour! Yes, book tour. She wrote a cookbook, and I cannot wait to get it! I've tried several of her recipes and have loved them all. Even the way she writes and presents her recipes is funny. So, November 5, I will be at the Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, waiting for my chance to meet Ree Drummond...aka Pioneer Woman!! I can't wait....

Another One

My favorite picture of my parents. Taken around 1960 or so. The colorized version of this is stunning, but I didn't come across that yesterday. Her dress was emerald green. I love it.

Pretty as a Princess

I was over at my Mom's house yesterday, and I had the opportunity to go through my Grandma's countless photo albums that my Mom brought home from Illinois. They were fascinating! There a tons of OLD pictures of my great grandparents in there that I am going to scan and keep. Beautiful pictures. But this one of my mom is my favorite. I think it was taken her senior year of high school (1959) when she was up for Prom Queen or something. Oh, how I wish she saved that dress!!! I remember playing with the earrings and bracelet when I was a little girl...although she doesn't have them anymore. I wish I could see her shoes. I'm sure they were just as fabulous as the dress. Wasn't she beautiful? Still is.....

I Heart Ribbon...

I spent some time Saturday organizing my "Party Closet" and I was shocked to see how much ribbon I have accumulated! I love ribbon. It adds such a touch of fun to whatever it wraps itself around!!

This basket contains about half of my collection. Isn't it pretty?? I especially love the pink with white polka dots. Delicious!

Back to School!!

Well, after missing 8 full days of school, Courtney & Connor finally were able to return today.....and they were so excited! It was as if it was the first day of school all over again. They still have a lingering cough, and who knows how long that will last. The only other residual side effect they have from this illness is their noses. They look a little different now......

Oink! Oink!

Good Story of the Day

This is one of my favorite stories EVER. I love the story about this boy, Jason, but I think the most touching part is how everyone else around him loves him, and treats him so great. It'll put a smile on your face.

P.S. Thanks Chalee, for the reminder of this great story!