Another reason to be proud to be an LSU Tiger...

We all know I am an LSU fanatic. It's who we are. It's in my blood. Everyone in my family has a passion for LSU. And we should. Our University has been good to us. My degree is worth something in employers eyes, not to mention the lifelong memories I have tied to that place.

Our Alma Mater has a line in it that has always been one of my favorite... "Our worth in life will be thy worth..." I know it might sound odd, but I believe it. I am tied to the university. Everyone who knows me knows I associate with LSU. When the university looks good, it is a reflection of "my people." As an alum, my ethics/morals/actions are a reflection of the education I received there.

Today, another alum made me very proud to be an LSU Tiger. Do you remember Kevin Mawae? Drafted by the Seahawks in '94, played for the Jets for a few years, and now he plays for the Titans. Last year he was inducted into LSU's athletic hall of fame. I didn't know much about him then, but I do now. He is a champion on and off the field.
Kevin was on Mike and Mike today. He grew up an army brat, spent some time at Fort Polk, and ended up at Leesville High which brought him to LSU. He's in Tampa right now, and has teamed up with Reebok to send NFL jerseys to our armed forces overseas. He arrived on location with several injured soldiers who are recovering in Tampa right now. One is a huge Steelers fan. The message he sent - (and this is paraphrased) was that he is a football player. He risks his health and safety every week, but he isn't a real hero. He provides entertainment. The real heroes are the men and women who have volunteered to fight for us. They risk their lives, so that we can enjoy celebrations like the SuperBowl in Tampa this weekend. How true.

It's great to be an LSU tiger, and to be in the company of so many amazing alumni who make a difference in the world today.

And since football is the topic of the day, let me just mention that I am extremely excited about college football's signing day on Wednesday. LSU has the potential to walk away with the #1 recruiting class this year, with several players that could contribute to the 2009 football season.

And I'm working on uploading pictures of Jamaica. I promise they'll be posted soon, I just need to get someone to show me how to do what I'm trying to do.

MDA

I rarely post something written by someone else, but my sister Abby sent an email out last night that touched my heart and I wanted to share it with all of you. When I read her email, I had conflicting emotions- saddened by the loss of a child, touch by the simple act of love shown in the picture, and pride that my sister, cousin, and friends are apart of such an amazing organization.

Abby's spirit of volunteerism has inspired me to take action of my own- more to come on that later. Here is her email:

As you all know, I volunteer every summer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Camp Sunshine. It is by far my favorite thing/place in the world. There is so much happiness, love, and purpose in this one week. The only difficult times are days like today when campers pass away.

Yesterday, Bryan Wolfe, did not wake up. He was 13 years old and was about 7 when I started to work camp. I have watched this boy battle this disease with an ever-smiling face and a cheerful spirit. I wanted to send you all a picture of him and remind you to always treat every day like your last. We never know when our time will be.

Also, there are children like Bryan whose life has been enriched by volunteers like myself and Erin Doody, who attended camp this past summer. This is the reason I volunteer and continue to go back each year. I know I am making a difference. This picture is of Bryan (on the right) and Caleb (the black boy on the left). They did not know I was taking the picture. Bryan could not lift the binoculars to his eyes because of his weak arm muscles so his buddy Caleb is helping him out. What a moment!
I love you all. Abby

Priorities

You think I'm joking, but I'm not. When Layne and I are in a position to finally be LSU Season Ticket Holders (don't worry- we'll be Aggie season ticket holders too), I would sell my home before my tickets... especially if they are in the North End Zone by Mom and Dad. It's called priorities, and I know I have mine straight. :)

Happy Hump Day!

(Honeymoon pictures coming soon! Layne uploaded them last night!)

We're Back!

I took an official break from blogging during the wedding and the honeymoon... but we are officially back in Dallas... living life as Mr. and Mrs. Layne Court. I'm sure the day will come where Mitzi Court rolls off my tongue, but I've already had to reprint and sign four documents this morning!

Pictures from the wedding and Jamaica are great, and I'll be sure to post them as soon as we get things under control. We didn't get back till late last night, and the alarms went off bright and early this morning for work, so we're back in the grind before getting settled in. I'm thrilled it's only going to be a three day week!

Looking forward to talking to everyone soon. And a special thank you to everyone for making our wedding celebration more special than we dreamed it could be. Layne and I are so lucky, and so blessed to have you guys in our life.

Like my momma always says... Life is good.

Going to the Chapel...

Today is January 5th- can you believe it? Only three days in the office until I hop on a plane and fly to NoLA to live out my last few days as a single woman. Special thanks to my family and friends who have been so supportive and encouraging. I can't imagine pulling this off without your help. And a special hug to my Momma... she's the woman who gets it all done.

Looking forward to celebrating with everyone in the Big Easy this weekend!

Happy New Years!

When I finally got back to Dallas, Layne picked me up and we went back to the casa- for a last minute impromptu LSU Gameday Gathering! Mark Hill worked with Layne at Constructors, and he and his wife brought over some DELICIOUS chicken and sausage gumbo and potato salad for the game. Lauren and Chris Martinez drove in from Abilene with another sorority sister, Nicole Appleton, who is in town visiting for the week. Stephen and Kim were at the casa... and it was the perfect storm.

What do you do with a bunch of crazy coon a$$'s who were jacked up after demolishing Georgia Tech in a game that 76.4% of America predicted we would lose? Celebrate! We headed uptown to The Quarter Bar on McKinney, and met up with a bunch of Chris' Air Force buddies who were also in town. The Quarter Bar feels like Louisiana, and was the perfect choice for this rowdy group!

Stephen, Joy and Mark Hill, and Kimberly

I may have just stepped off of a plane and missed half the game, but that didn't stop me! I threw on my gameday attire (ahhh...) and a much needed ball cap, grabbed my FABULOUS new LSU purse, and walked out the door.

It was wonderful to spend time with the Martinez family! They have been in Abilene for a month and a half, and McQ has already been to the house twice. Layne and I can't wait to visit their first home in Abilene when we get back from the honeymoon. Lauren showed me her new Texas license when she was here... who would have thought me and my little St. Joe's hoe would end up as Texas residents? It's nice to have them so close by, and I'm looking forward to all the good times in the future.

Our New Years plans were up in the air until New Years Eve, but ended up being a blast! Our heads didn't hit the pillows till after 4am, and we didn't make it out the bed until noon. We spent the day ushering in 2009 watching football, and I can already tell... 2009 is going to be a good one!

It Doesn't Get Any Better...

I spent the better part of Wednesday at the Denver International Airport. I was trying to make it back from Colorado for kickoff for the LSU Game, and was hoping I could fly standby. It didn't work. I didn't get on the 1:30 flight, or the 2:35 flight. My flight was at 3:50, but at 5pm I was still sitting at the airport- mechanical issues. There was a 5:05 flight out, but they weren't letting anyone from the 3:50 flight switch. It would take too much time to switch everyone over, they didn't want to delay the current flight... yada, yada, yada. I begged, I pleaded, it was shear desperation... and lucky enough, I got my way. I missed the first half of the LSU game, but made it home just in time for the second half.

The day wasn't all that bad though. Let me share with you favorite incident:
I was riding the train from the security check point to Terminal C, and low and behold, standing across from me was a Georgia Tech fan. I could tell by his hat. (I had a LSU hat on myself.) We had a moment where we locked eyes. We non-verbally acknowledged the competition that would unfold later that evening. Could the trash talker in me resist? Not a chance.

"Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait." Never mind the fact that there were fifteen other people in the train with us. (I know- you're smiling. You can see it happening.) The Georgia Tech fan was caught offguard at my audacity. "You can't talk trash. You guys are the underdog." I actually felt bad for the man. He had no idea what a formidable opponent he was dealing with. "Of course I can talk trash! We're the defending National Champions. And until next Thursday, I'm going to act like it." (I promise I did so in a polite and playful way Mom!) And then, out of no where, the football gods worked their magic. There was a family, the father was wearing a dry fit Florida shirt. One of his little girls had a sweatshirt on too. They chimed in, "Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait. Tiger Bait." The Georgia Tech fan was screwed. "You guys hate LSU. Why would you cheer for them?" And at that moment, I couldn't have been prouder. The father replied, "We're the SEC. At this time of year, we all support each other. Geaux Tigers."

Seriously... does it get any better than that?

On The Road Again...

I'm back in Greeley, Colorado for work again this week- only this time winter is upon us! I've been smart about my travel plans, and have intentionally tried to avoid the snow. Call me silly, but I've never driven in snow before, much less country dirt roads through winter wheat fields in the snow. I've never even had to scrape my windshield before... and these are not firsts I'm looking forward to.

Aunt Leslie and Uncle Scott saved my butt today- literally. They bought me my first pair of Long Johns for Christmas this year, and they were perfect today. As the sun set over the Rocky Mountains, the temperature dropped dramatically. I don't know if I'll ever get used to the cold weather, but one thing is for sure. Views like this will never get old.

It was absolutely inspiring to spend the day at the foothills of the mountains. It took my breath away every time I looked up. I lived in Colorado Springs the summer after I graduated high school as part of a scholarship from LSU. I got my geology credits I needed for my degree, and got to travel to the Grand Canyon, Black Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, the Grand Tetons... the list goes on and on. That summer, I was amazed by the beauty of nature. And being up here again reminds me of all the small, insignificant gifts we have been given to treasure on this Earth. I'm looking forward to the first weekend I can spend up here in the mountains.

When life gets crazy and it seems like there is too much going on, sometimes the best thing for the soul is to head out to the middle of nowhere where you can't get cell phone service, do your job, and enjoy your view.

I think I may actually be sad when it's time to head back to Dallas this week.

Santa's Best Suprise Ever

Sometimes, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. This weekend was definitely one of those times. On Christmas, I found out that Santa Claus had the best surprise ever in store for me- he was sending my Sissy to Dallas for the weekend! Abby and I have both had an incredibly busy fall. She was president of our sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and spent her weekends tailgating for LSU football games, both home and away. Don't worry- football is my priority too! It has just been a little unusual to see more of Stephen and G Baby this year. Needless to say, the time with Abby was WAY overdue, and I couldn't wait to pick her up at the airport.

She arrived at Love a little after 8am on Friday morning, only they lost her luggage! We were slightly bummed at first, until we found out it would be arriving on the next flight from New Orleans. And since we picked up the luggage ourselves rather than making them deliver it, she got a $50 credit for her next trip to Dallas (which just happens to be THIS WEEKEND!)

Of the 34 hours Abby was in town this weekend, we spent 17 of them running errands and scratching things off the wedding to do list. And most importantly- Babs opened up her very own Macy's card! This is absolutely a Rite of Passage for the women in my family, and I couldn't help but take pictures of such a special event. I know our Granny was smiling down on us as we wheeled and dealed the weekend away. We got jewelry for the bridesmaids, shoes for my wedding dress, outfits for the bridal luncheon and rehearsal dinner, jewelry, etc. We even got steals on a few dresses for the honeymoon, and the Spode Christmas China I'm starting to collect.

The quality time with my sista-face was wonderful. I loved every minute with her and am so thankful for our time together. It was the perfect way to recharge my batteries at the end of a crazy month.

So Santa Claus- if you subscribe to my blog- thank you for sending my Sissy to me. It was the best Christmas surprise ever, and I can't say thankful enough. I promise to be especially nice this year!

Bitty Babies

We have a family tradition on the Reynolds side of the family- Bitty Babies. I actually missed out on the tradition because I was a little too old, but Abby and all my younger girl cousins got in on it. They were all given their Bitty Baby when they were younger, and over the years, they've collected different outfits for their dolls. The American Girl Company makes numerous outfits- they even have matching outfits for kids and their baby dolls. So for Christmas, everyone gets a new outfit. And for their birthdays, they get a new outfit. Get the picture? So now that they are older, they have these beautiful baby doll collections, and even though they may be too old to play with dolls... they know that one day they will have a daughter to share their Bitty Baby with.

Addison and Reece are the flower girls in our wedding, and we wanted to do something nice for them that they would have for years to come. After some thought, I knew what I wanted to do. Bitty Babies for the Court family too! So Layne and I have decided that this is something we would like to do for all of our nieces over the years... and look forward to having more little princesses for us to spoil.

Can you see my wrapping paper this year? It's classic! Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer wrapping paper. It reminded me of my uncle, and I couldn't resist. I even had the stuffed animals to match it for the girls to play with. Addie became slightly attached to Rudolph, and he took a trip back to Prosper last night with the girls.

The girls loved their babies, and the accessories that came with it too. The dolls each have their own blanket, just like Reece and Addie do. And they have a few outfits... play clothes, a dress, and nighties too. They've got a baby bottle, and a bitty bear stuffed animal for the doll.

So here is Aunt Mitzi and Uncle Layne on Christmas 2008 with our favorite nieces. I can't wait to meet all the rest of them that God is going to bless us with one day- no rush though. For now, we're quite entertained by these two!
Aren't the mini's so cute?!?
So instead of getting their big present for the wedding at the wedding, they got their baby dolls now. And at the rehearsal dinner, Layne and I have picked out their first outfit for their Bitty Baby.... a pretty "princess" dress for their baby dolls to wear the same day Reece and Addie are going to wear their pretty dresses.
This is going to be fun.