Chapter 3- Homecoming, Haunted Houses, Jars of Clay

As the weeks progressed, Jerry and I had a couple of conversations. 

Homecoming was just around the corner and I was hoping Jerry would ask me to be his date.  So I did what every typical high school girl does... I got my friends to to talk to his friends and his friends to talk to Jerry.   Well... my plan did not work out so well.... Jerry ended up taking someone else and I went with my friends.  Darn...

A few weeks passed and before we knew it it was October!  This means it was time for haunted houses!  We went on a double date to a haunted house. We had a great time!  Jerry of course was super shy.. He wouldn't even hold my hand.  However, this seemed to break the ice a bit.  Couple nights later, I  received a phone call from Jerry.  I paced the entire time we talked. 

 Jerry and I started hanging out (but not "going out"-- by definition- Going out means you were boyfriend and girlfriend... we were not there yet.)  Hanging out included golf practice, going out to eat with friends, meeting each other between classes, and haunted houses. 

About a month went by and on October 25, after a Arlington High football game, Jerry officially asked me out.  Worlds Apart by Jars of Clay played in the background during our "what are we" conversation. This became our official song. 




I feel like this song was perfect for us.  When we were in high school Jerry and I were very involved in our churches.  Aside from being on the golf team, God was the first thing Jerry and I really had in common.  I look back on myself in high school and realize I have changed so much.  This isn't a good or bad thing.. I'm just different.  I'm sure many people can agree that the high school version of themselves has changed/matured (hopefully).  This is a different post for a different day.  Now that Jerry and I were officially together, I enjoyed sending Jerry fun little notes.. Here are some good ones-

Notice the Arlington High golf bag- such an artist!

After school, I would go up to Shady Valley, where Jerry worked, and hang out.  Jerry was a bag boy.  This is an ideal job for a high school boy.  A bag boy's duties include picking up a club member from their car, loading up their clubs, and picking up the range balls.  In exchange for all this hard work, bag boys were paid minimum wage and got free golf.  It's a pretty good deal...

When Jerry was not busy at work, we liked to take the golf carts down a steep hill and slam the brakes..  Looking back, this was probably not the safest thing we have ever done... but I'm still breathing.... Every time I drive by Shady Valley, I smile. 

Graduation!

Well... I finally graduated from grad school! Hoorrraaayyy!!! No more writing papers! Here are a couple of pictures!

The Story of Us- Chapter 2- First Day of Junior Year

It is the moment I had been long awaiting... That August I was officially an upper-classman. I drove to school in my Ford Taurus, windows down,  Dashboard Confessional blaring.  I had just turned 16 two months prior so driving was still super cool.  I found a parking spot and set out for the 1 mile hike to class.  At Arlington High, student parking was far from school.  You had to walk from your parking spot, past the football field, past the cafeteria parking lot, to your class.  If your first class was in E-hall you better get their early. 





This year started off differently for me than my freshman and sophomore year.  In the spring of my sophomore year, I had quit my beloved sport-volleyball.  Since I was in 6th grade I played year round volleyball.  Fall was filled with school volleyball, winter and spring was dedicated to club volleyball, and the summers were committed to volleyball camps.  Volleyball was my life.  As I hiked my way to class, I had a huge lump in my throat.  Typical high school thoughts ventured in my head... Who am I if I don't play volleyball... I hope my friends don't forget about me... Did I make the right decision.... I hope everyone thinks this outfit is cute... Look at the freshman, they look so small...

I was finally there... my first period class.  Arlington High had a blocked day schedule- meaning you have 4 classes one day and different 4 class the next day.  The first day of school is always a joke.  We had a C-Day schedule, this is where the students have to go to each class and basically do intros 8 different times.  My classes included Algebra 2, English 3, PALS, Science, History, Golf, and two other classes that I can't remember.  My last class was golf, I was so thankful. 

I was walking in the door when I saw some familiar boy faces... then I saw mystery boy.  What was he doing here?  I didn't know he went to Arlington.  I sat down in a desk in Coach Schwartz's classroom and began talking to my friend Dena, while still keeping an eye on mystery boy.

Dena and had been friends for a while.  Her dad and my dad knew each other and we also played club volleyball together.  She was also a member at Shady Valley, so we would go play 9 holes together.  When we played golf it was mainly goofing around and talking about anything but golf.... sorry Coach Schwartz...
I noticed the mystery boy talking with Grant as he left for the next class.  Everyone knew Grant... he was the guy that was friends with everyone.  Hmm... the wheels starting turning...how can I get introduced to this mystery boy.

I asked around to see what this mystery boys name was and I found out his name was Jerry.

The Story of Us- Chapter One- Where it all started

I just finished reading The Pioneer Woman.  If you haven't read it, I seriously suggest you do!  It's an excellent, easy read.  She also has a blog that is filled with excellent recipes.

After reading the book, I felt very inspired to tell the story of Jerry and I. 

In the summer of 2006 I decided to get serious about my golf game.  I saved up my babysitting money and purchased a brand new set of  Wilson's Fat Shaft golf clubs.  When I went shopping, I had the pro's watch my swing.  Turns out I have a very strong, fast swing.  As a result, the pro's recommended I purchase a senior men's set of clubs.  I'm not really sure why, but this made me feel super cool.  I was ready to go!  New golf clubs-check, cute golf bag--check, red golf tees--check,  flamingo head cover--check, golf shoes, khaki shorts, polo shirt, and matching hat-- check!  At the time, my parents had a membership to Shady Valley Golf Course.  I was able to go play or hit balls whenever I wanted.  Looking back, I did not take full advantage of this. 

One day, I decided I needed to work on my swing so I went up to Shady Valley to hit some balls at the driving range. I drove myself in my awesome 1995 Ford Taurus. 

  I pranced down to the range with my matching outfit and bucket of golf balls in hand.  To my surprise there was a very cute guy hitting balls too.  He was wearing a pair of khaki shorts, orange polo shirt, and golf hat.  My stomach dropped.  I thought to myself, "Who is this guy?"  I strategically placed myself a couple of spots away from mystery boy.  I didn't want to be too forward by selecting the spot right next to him, but didn't want to close the door for conversation by selecting a spot too far away.  I began stretching and taking a few practice swings.  The entire time wondering who this cute boy at the driving range was.  I thought to myself, maybe he'll see how great I am at golf and ask me to play a round with him!

It was time to show off--- I mean, the pro's said I had an excellent swing that required seniors men's clubs... I go through my usual pre-swing rituals--- stretch neck, shrug shoulders, wiggle knees up and down.  I was ready to show the mystery boy my beautiful swing!  I took the club back, swung it fast and hard, and completely topped the ball.  For those of you who are not familiar with golf terms, this typically means you looked up to see where the ball went before you even hit the ball.  The result of topping of golf ball is a horrible whacking sound and the ball basically goes 15 feet in front of you. 

Alright.... take two.  That was my first swing, so what if I topped it.  I was bound and determined to show off my skills to the mystery boy.  Once again, I went through my pre-swing rituals, to the club back, and topped it again.  In my head, I'm screaming, "What the heck! Those stupid pro's sold me the wrong clubs!"  This went on for several strokes, until I started slicing the the ball.  A slice is when you make contact with the ball but it curves way to the right.  This is usually a result of your swing getting sloppy and leaving the head of the club open. 

Meanwhile, the mystery boy is hitting each ball perfectly and finishing up his bucket.  In a pathetic attempt to start conversation, I commented on the weather.  It was one of those dirty dancing moments... you know where Baby says, "I carried a watermelon."  Mystery boy was not interested in talking.

He went on to play a round of golf, while I stayed at the driving range cursing the pro's that sold me the new clubs (it was all their fault that I couldn't hit the ball- haha), blaming the weather, wondering if mystery boy thought I was an idiot.

Papa Harley

For those of you that do not know, my grandfather (Papa Harley) passed away early Saturday morning. 

Writing helps me process things.  So here you go...

The Football Hall of Famer- 
Papa Harley grew up in St. Joe, Texas.  One day when he was working, a scout for the University of Texas stopped and asked him if would like to try out for the Longhorns football team.  His response,"Be fine."  It was history from there... Papa Harley became one of the all time best guards in the history of University of Texas.  Newspapers referred to him as the "Hillbilly kid" or "The best snuff dipping guard Texas ever had."   

He would eventually be the first round draft pick for the Detroit Lions in 1953.   He went on to play in 4 Pro Bowls and is referred to as a Gridiron Hero for the Detroit Lions.  Eventually he would was added to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the National College Football Hall of Fame.  He ended his playing career in Los Angeles playing for the Rams.  If you want to learn more click here:  Harley Sewell and more Harley Sewell.  Here are some pictures:

Back in 2008, Papa was honored by the Lions as one out of 25 best players that have ever played for the Lions.  I was lucky enough to get to go on this trip.  Here are some pictures:

The husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Hall of Famer:

It's fun to talk about all of his football accomplishments.  But his real accomplishment was a beautiful family.  Papa was a loving and supportive husband to Grandma Jean.  He loved her more than anything else in the world.  He would do anything for her.  When she passed away in 2007, it was obvious that his heart was broken.  His heart never quite healed after she was gone.  He was father to 3 wonderful children: Jimmy, Janet, and Nathan. 

My mom has always looked to Papa as her hero.   Not because of his career accomplishments, but who he was as a person.  He was sweet, kind, funny, and loved his kids.  My mom would tell me stories about going to football training camp with him and how he allowed her pet bird to perch on his head.  He was just a fun person to be around. 

As a grandchild of Papa, I always loved spending time with him.  He would allow Lauren and I to cover him in stuffed animals and would always make up silly songs.  Another one of his tricks was pulling his teeth out for Lauren and I.  Haha... I'm not sure if I was confused on why my teeth didn't come out like his or if I was just freaked out... either way it makes me laugh now.  I remember traveling up to Burger Box in the old Bronco.  There we would enjoy a yummy hamburger and fries.  At that Burger Box, Papa taught Lauren and I how to make spit balls and drink out of a Tabasco bottle with a straw.  He would always tell us crazy stories like when it was hot he and his bothers would eat beans and as a form of AC they would break wind.  haha... Grandma Jean would get so mad when he would tell us that story.  He loved his kids and grandchildren with all of this heart.  About a month ago, I went to the hospital to see him and as I was leaving he asked, "When are you coming back and I love you with all my heart."  These were the only two things he said in the hour I was there.  He loved his grand babies and he loved being around others. 

Even Claire (Papa's 1st great granddaughter) loved Papa.  She would walk into the room and see him and happily chirp, "Papa!"  This would always bring a smile to Papa Harley's face.

Let us not forget his best friend Happy.  Happy and Papa were two peas in a pod.  Happy helped take care of Papa and as a thank you Papa fed Happy fried chicken.  This made Happy very happy! 

 The last time I saw him, he wasn't able to talk so we just held hands. It was very hard seeing him like this.  On one hand I feel happy knowing Papa is in heaven and free from pain.  On the other hand, it's painful to know I will not see him again.  I knew this day would come and I thought I was mentally prepared.  It's just really hard... my mom described it perfectly.  She said, "It's just really permanent."  Papa lived an amazing life, loved many, and was love by many.  I will miss him, but I have peace knowing he is in heaven playing football and watching over us. 



A Preview of the Playoffs with the Peterson's

This has been an amazing season for the Ranger's and I am so glad I got to be a part of it!  I know the Ranger's did not win the World Series, but I am still proud of my team!  Let's start from the beginning:

Opening Day:

Jerry and I got the 20 tickets package with Natalie and Brandon this year.  This averaged about to be one  game every home series.  I had a blast cheering on the Rangers this season.  I really enjoy baseball games.  It's nice just zone out, be quiet, and watch the game. 

Dog Day at the Ballpark:

Playoffs!!!!

All of our friends got tickets to the Game 6 of the ALCS.  We, unfortunately, did not.  But we did not let that stop us from having a good time in the parking lot.  Me, Jerry, and our friend Chris tailgated in the Ranger's parking lot.  We made lots of friends with the parking attendants and had a great time! 

Here are some pictures from various playoff games:

This is a picture from Game 4 of the World Series when Holland pitched an amazing game!

We decided to go in early to watch batting practice.  If you have never done this.... I HIGHLY recommend doing it.  It's really fun to see the players mess around with each other and they will also throw balls to you.  I was standing in the left field bleachers when Gentry pointed to me and threw me a ball!!! I was so excited that I accidentally dropped it...such a klutz!  Fortunately, Natalie caught it!  I guess Josh Hamilton saw that I dropped the ball and so he snuck over, pointed to me, and threw me a ball!  I was so excited!  Josh you are my hero!  I have always admired him and his amazing story.  If you have not read Beyond Belief I definitely recommend it! 

Fast forward to Wednesday, October 26. Jerry is emailing his professor begging him to let him out of his test on Thursday so he can drive to St. Louis. At 10, his professor finally emails him back, "Do what you gotta do. We will work it out." This gave Jerry the green light! He along with Rustin, Kody, and two other friends drove to Tulsa, Oklahoma that night. They spent the night in Tulsa and drove the rest of the way to St. Louis. They bought tickets on stub hub and were off to game 6 of the World Series.

The Arch:

Welcome to Busch Stadium!

Where Jerry stood during the game:

 Oh hey... Jim Sunberg... Jerry and his friends were able to move down to the first deck- a couple few rows behind Nolan Ryan.  I'm sure those Cardinal fans that left early were kicking themselves later! 

 Jerry and his friends decided to stay for Game 7.  How many time do you get to say you were at Game 7 of the World Series?  We all know how it ended... but I'm glad Jerry and his friends went and got to experience the World Series!  I'm going to try to get Jerry to submit a blog about his trip... with more details... hopefully he will!

GO RANGERS!