Comeback Kid

Don't ask me how it happened, but I somehow came back to win the NCAA bracket this year. It was all down to the final, Tara had Memphis, I had Kansas. With 3 minutes left in the game I thought it was all over. The Tigers were up 9 and everything seemed to be going their way. I wasn't even able to watch the game since I was up at the gym. The only way I could even track the score was on a cell phone with Internet access. Imagine my surprise when the update came across that Kansas made a 3 pointer with 2.3 seconds left to tie the game. Wow!! I knew it was over right then. I would finish in 1st and Tara would drop to 4th.

I guess it's a good thing we don't put any money on these brackets. I know there's no way I would win if there was anything really riding on a victory. Even so I can say that I'm the proud owner of a fictional trophy in my fantasy case. YES!!!

Solemn Assembly

Yesterday we participated in a special service as a part of General Conference. Whenever a new Prophet is sustained by the Church it occurs as part of the next Conference in a Solemn Assembly. Usually the body of the Church sustains our leaders collectively. In a Solemn Assembly, each member stands with their particular group (Priesthood, Relief Society,etc.) and sustains the new Prophet. It gives each of us a chance to acknowledge our personal support of the change and it provides each member the opportunity to witness for themselves that the Prophetic mantel has been passed.

It was really neat to teach our children about the new prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and to discuss the reason why each of us raised our arms to the square. Kennedy was very excited and raised her arm every time she saw someone do the same on TV. It's been fun to watch Conference with her this year. For Family Home Evening last week we walked about the new First Presidency and Kennedy memorized each of their names. As one of our leaders has stood to speak Kennedy has proudly declared, "That's President Erying!" or "President Monson is speaking." Her personal favorite is President Uchtdorf. She loves saying his name and put extra emphasis on the first syllable - "UCHT-dorf". It's been a great Conference and a wonderful opportunity to teach our kids about the Church.

Diary of a Jazz Fan

The Jazz made another big step in their push for a home court edge in the first round of the playoffs this year. For years our biggest nemesis has been the Spurs and tonight the Jazz blew them off the court. Still, we need to have some tempered optimism about this win; remember the game was in Utah. The real test will come in two weeks when we play in San Antonio, where the Jazz have lost 20 straight times.

Utah is now 51-26 on the season and it's assured that we'll finish with a better record than last year. The Jazz will again win the Northwest Division and will probably end up with the 4th seed in the playoffs. The question still remains as to whether or not they will get home court for the first round of the playoffs. The Jazz are 35-4 at home this year, but only 16-21 on the road. Where do you think they'd rather play? It will be fun to watch the end of the season. Hopefully, the Jazz will finish strong and we can celebrate the season long into May and, if everything works out, on through June...

Diary of a Red Sox Fan

I can't believe it's baseball season again. It's always exciting to have another season upon us, but my excitement is a bit tempered this year. When you enter the season as the defending champions there isn't anywhere to go but down. Don't get me wrong, I think the Red Sox can repeat this year, but I don't think it will be easy. There have already been injuries to Beckett and Schilling, and we started the season with the dreaded trip to Japan (every team who's made this trip has gotten off to a terrible start!).

Since I'm not going back to Beantown this year there won't be any chances to see the Sox in person. Still, we won't miss many games. The DirecTV baseball package will keep us with the Red Sox every night. And our new DVR will ensure that I'll actually be able to watch a few of the games after I get home. It's fun to have baseball back and I'm excited to see if the Red Sox can repeat their magic from last year.

Saving the Day

This morning I was up pretty early to teach a workshop at West Jordan High School. Since the training ended around 8 am I decided to swing by McDonald's and take the fam a little breakfast. Nothing major, just an Egg McMuffin for everyone. As I entered the door Kennedy spotted the Golden Arches on the bag I had with me and she erupted with joy:

"Mommy, Mommy come quick. Daddy brought us McDonald's sandwiches for breakfast. Hurry, Hurry."

I've never seen anyone so excited to have a McGriddle in my entire life. But Kennedy wasn't done there. After taking her first bite of the breakfast treat, she proclaimed:

"Daddy, you saved the day!"

Saving the day by 8:30 am. Not bad, not bad at all.