Keeping the Girls Busy

Since Westley got a post of his own, I figured that the girls should get one too.  We are after all, an equal opportunity family.  This first picture is of Alyssa and Ambrey up on stage preparing for their piano recital.  They both performed well.  Unfortunately I videoed their entire performances so I don't have any video that I can post to the blog.

We decided that it was time to put the girls into softball.  This first picture is of Ambrey getting her first uniform.  She was so excited!

 She was the only girl on her team to have her last name put on it. She chose to do it this way because that way it would be just like Alyssa's first softball uniform.

 For some reason Alyssa was being uncooperative which meant that instead of getting the full picture like we did with Ambrey, we got the Cousin It version.

 And finally she decided to cooperate.

 Two girls ready for spring ball (which is more like summer ball in other places).

 Ambrey up to bat.  I think she went something like 0-2 this year, but her on-base percentage had to be somewhere around .900.

 Alyssa up to bat.  I tried to find a picture with her pitching, but for some reason I was unable to come up with one.

And here they are with their trophies at the end of a long, hot season.

Alyssa's and Ambrey's New Hobbies

Janna and I have talked for ages about starting our girls in piano lessons, but until recently we haven't done it because it wasn't practical for us to do it.  About four months ago we purchased a used celviano electonic piano, and about two months ago we started Alyssa and Ambrey in piano.  We are very happy with the teacher that they have, and both of them are doing very well with it.

About six months ago we signed Alyssa up for volleyball.  So far she has played soccer, softball, and now volleyball.  Her two favorites have been softball and volleyball.

It was amazing to see how quickly she picked it up.  She still has a ways to go, but in the short few months she made great progress.

Ambrey begged us for about a month or so to let her take karate.  I had my reservations, but in the end we gave in because Alyssa got to do what she wanted to, so figured that Ambey should get the choice as well.

Ambrey preparing her attack on the foam stick.

Ambey in action.

Fun Pictures

Mom, Ambrey, Me, Lyssa, Natalie, and my sister Kiersten!

Alyssa being crazy

Kiersten hiding

Go BYU!!! Neighborhood kids

First day of School

Ambrey at her desk

On the bus

Anna ready to go to school with big sisters

Ready to meet the teacher's

Diabetes Claims Another Life

I would like to take a moment to recognize the passing of Larry H. Miller. As many know, Larry Miller died due to complications from type II diabetes (aka. adult onset diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes). At present, the initial treatment for this form of diabetes is exercise, diet, and oral medication. Unfortunately, the disease often goes unnoticed for years before treatment starts. If the disease is not treated aggressively by the diabetic, the end result often includes limb amputations, vision loss, kidney failure and dialysis, and frequently ends with a heart attack. As for type I diabetes (its onset is usually earlier in life), currently the only treatment options are subcutaneous shots of insulin, and pancreatic transplant for the diabetic with severe disease. This form will continue to cut many live short, as it cut our sister Tiffany's life short, until the medical community can find a way to replace the natural production and regulation of insulin. In essence, diabetes often acts like a ignorance. It is always there, and yet the damage that it does can go unnoticed for years, as it slowly and quietly picks apart its prey.

I never had the opportunity to meet Larry Miller, but I have great respect for the manner in which he ran the Utah Jazz. He was an icon of stability, in a business that seems to ooze with instability. The loyalty that he displayed during his years as the owner of the Utah Jazz is unparalleled in all of sports. During the early 1990's, I am ashamed to say that I blamed Miller for not spending more money to bring the Utah Jazz a championship; after all, they had two of the best players to ever play their respective positions in John Stockton and Karl Malone, and yet the team always seemed just one player short of the promised land. The reality is that if it had not been for Larry Miller, the Utah Jazz would no longer exist. The team would have been moved in the 1980's, and we never would have had the chance to watch and appreciate all that John and Karl did together. Larry's Jazz never won a championship, but because of his attributes that have carried over to the way his team runs, they have become known as a well respected, consistent, hard working, and winning organization.I cannot take credit for this, but I heard a fan suggest that they construct a bronze statue of Mr. Miller, and place it between the ones of John Stockton and Karl Malone. Personally I would also like to see the city rename 400 West as "Larry's H. Miller's Way." After all, you know this guy, and I would hate to forget what he has done for the community.

Softball Season in Review

Looks like another Vincent trying to take her place where Vincents belong, in the dugout.
Ambrey having a good time.
Alyssa trotting in to third base.
Mom and Anna cheering Alyssa on.
Alyssa sitting with her team.

The award ceremony.

Alyssa in the "Longest Hit" competition.

Alyssa's First Hit!

On Wednesday night, June 4th, Alyssa got her first hit (shown in the above picture). It came on the first pitch of her first at-bat. They call it softball here, but really it starts out as T-ball for the first month, and then they switch to coach pitch. The game started at 6:15, and did not end until after eight. Sorry about the quality of the picture, we forgot to take our camera with us so I had to use my phone.

In Brief

I was reading on the Salt Lake Tribune's Utah Jazz blog and saw something that I found interesting (if you are not interested in the Jazz stop reading here). Ever since the All-Star break it seemed to me that AK's numbers have trailed off. Early on in the season he was playing well. He posted at least one triple double and was an integral part of the team. Since the "mid-season" break however, he seems to have disappeared (take all of this with a grain of salt, I do not get to see many games here in New York). I feel though that I have finally found some information that confirms it for me. AK is averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists since the break, although he is shooting almost 42 percent from the three point line. Is it just me or does it seem like AK may be a little disappointed that he did not get traded before the trade deadline?

Some Random Thoughts About the Sports Teams That I Care About

The Jazz

I really do not know where to begin with the Jazz. They started off the season in a similar fashion to last year, but then December came and things fell apart. It appears that they are missing Derek Fisher a little more than I thought they would. Here are some of my thoughts:

Andre Kirilenko: AK is having a very good season. By bringing in Jeff Hornecek, the Jazz have extended a helping hand to one of their most talented, and emotional players. It appears that the move has been a success, if you don't believe me check out AK's stats. His field goal percentage is about the same that it always has been, but his three point percentage has jumped to 35% (which is better than Memo's 34%) and he is having a career year for assists.

Memo Okur: I have to ask, is this guy injured? Not only has his shooting percentage dropped dramatically, but he is not rebounding all that well either.

Carlos Boozer: This guy is a monster on offense and the boards, I just wish that he was on defense too.

Deron Williams: He is well on his way to becoming a great point guard, and his competitive nature is special. The only criticism I can offer is to cut down on the turnovers, especially late in games.

The rookies: The 7-1 Kyrylo Fesenko looks like he could end up being the steal of this draft. I think that he will eventually take Memo's starting job from him because of his size, his defense, and his effort. Morris Almond has been tearing up the D-league, hopefully his game will eventually make the transition to the NBA.

The rest of the team: They need Matt Harpring for more than his allotted playing time, Paul Milsap needs more minutes, Ronnie Brewer should be up for the most improved player award, and CJ Miles has finally proven that he can play. The trade for Kyle Korver was a brilliant move.

BYU Football

It was another good year on the gridiron for the 14th ranked BYU Cougars. They finished the season at 11-2, and are currently riding the nations longest winning streak, 10 games (they have also won 16 straight against conference opponents). They were significantly better than I thought they would be, and here are some of the reasons why. Max Hall replaced John Beck as QB, and performed at a "higher level" (that phrase was for Bronco) than I think anyone thought he would. Also, Harvey Unga and Austin Collie were phenomenal, and Dennis Pita brought back memories of Johnny Harline. Having said all that, the biggest reason for their success had to be their defense which finished the season ranked seventh in total defense, and tied for 13th in scoring defense.

The outlook for next year will vary depending on the source you read. Some people are talking about a BCS busting season, but I personally have a hard time believing that it will happen next year. If I am correct, BYU will be losing eight of their defensive starters from this year, including all of their linebackers and secondary. I personally believe that their best chance to break into the BCS will be in two years, when Hall, Collie, and Pita will all be seniors.

Bronco is finally letting go of the reigns, at least a little bit. Jaime Hill will now be serving as BYU's defensive coordinator, although he will not be calling the defense on game day. Jaime's impact on the Cougars defense has been impressive. He was a major part of the scheme change that was made two years ago when they moved from a 3-3-5 formation which involved a great deal of blitzing and man coverage, to a 3-4-4 formation that focused on a bend but don't break philosophy and zone coverage. It was a change in philosophy that has Bronco looking like a genius.

The 49ers

Sometimes it just sucks to be a fan. The 49ers had another disappointing season, finishing 5-11 this season. Their biggest mistake dates back to three seasons ago when the used the number one draft pick on Alex Smith. There is no doubting his intelligence, but my opinion has always been that he was overrated. Who knows, I could be wrong. Their other problems include, but are certainly not limited to, poor play at wide receiver, an offensive line that desperately needs to improve, and a defensive front that is less than intimidating.

It is possible that Smith will be better then I am giving him credit for, considering that the first two problems I mentioned can have a significant impact on his effectiveness.

John Beck and Dolphin Football

The good: The good news for the Dolphins is that the season has finally come to an end. What makes things better is that they have brought in Bill Parcells. This is a guy who is completely committed to winning. Parcells will make the tough decisions necessary to improve this team, and they will improve quickly. On top of Parcells coming in, the Dolphins will also have the number one pick in this draft.

The bad: The Miami Dolphins 1-15 season, need I say more.

The Ugly: This section has to go to Dan Le Batard, a Miami Herald sports columnist, who occasionally appears on ESPN's show Pardon the Interruption. In less then 50 seconds he bashes Mormons, Samoans, and Mexicans (according to him, the huddle of the United Nations), all while not answering Tony Kornheiser's question. He also wrote an article concerning the Dolphin's poor season, and Coach Cam Cameron getting fired. The edited version can be found online at the Miami Herald's website. The unedited section of his article can also be found online.

Robbed by the Association

I was perusing the sports pages today and found something interesting. Former NBA official Mike Mathis spoke out about Tim Donaghy and officiating in the NBA in general. You may find what he had to say interesting, I did. I have posted links to two articles under my Jazz links list. As a disclaimer Mathis's record is not clean, but as a former official his opinions should deserve some consideration. For those who do not want to read one of the posted articles, he essentially says that Jordan pushed off and that video doesn't lie (conspiracy?). While he addresses this one play, he does not mention anything about all of the calls that were blown/missed (who knows, maybe the mob was in on this series) earlier in the game. Who knows if the Jazz could have pulled out the series, but I wish that we would have had the opportunity to find out.

Calling My Shot

I am calling my shot, but first, a flower for Grandma.

Arizona at BYU Sept. 1
This game could go either way. Arizona has installed a new offense in hopes of improving on their 6-6 season in 2006. It usually takes time to get a new offense to click, which should benefit the Cougars. However, under Bronco the Cougars a 0-2 on opening day, losing at Arizona in 2006 (a game they should have won), and losing to Boston College in 2005 while the Cougars were trying to work implement their new offense.
Winner: BYU

BYU at UCLA Sept. 8
a.k.a. Benedict Olson vs. BYU
OK, the whole Benedict thing is a joke but just think about what this kid could have done for BYU if he would have been willing to stick around. Instead of starting for BYU, he will be starting for UCLA in what should be his 7th career start. This should be a close game, but BYU will lose at the Rose Bowl if they cannot get pressure on Olson.
Winner: UCLA

BYU at Tulsa Sept. 15
After last years 49-24 blowout, Tulsa will be out for revenge. Barring injury, I don’t think they get it.
Winner: BYU

Air Force at BYU Sept. 22
Air Force usually starts the season off hot, and falls apart in the end. This year will be different. In the first four weeks of the season Air Force plays the top three teams in the conference, all of them coming back to back. Air Force will most likely be 1-3 following this game.
Winner: BYU

First third of the season: 3-1

BYU at New Mexico Sept. 29
This game will likely be closer than most would expect. Rocky Long has been great for the Lobos, but if fans are expecting better than another 6-6 season they will be sorely disappointed.
Winner: BYU

BYU at UNLV Oct. 13
Coming off of a bye week BYU may as well be playing a division II football program. UNLV football has been awful, and yet every year they somehow get 1-2 conference wins. UNLV is on its way to finishing at the bottom of the conference for the 5th consecutive year. This one will not be close.
Winner: BYU

Eastern Washington at BYU Oct. 20
This is their game against a division II opponent, need I say more?
Winner: BYU

BYU at San Diego State Oct. 27
At this point I have BYU winning 5 in a row. If they don’t slip up here it could be another two weeks before they risk losing again. Chuck Long will be good for this team in the long run, assuming he sticks around. At this point in the season BYU is the better team, but either they slip-up here or at home against CSU.
Winner: San Diego State

Second third of the season: 3-1

Colorado State at BYU Nov. 3
Coach Lubick is one of the top 3 or 4 coaches in the conference. Too bad he’s coaching at the most difficult place to play and against the hottest coach in the conference. BYU will not lose to CSU at home unless there are injury problems.
Winner: BYU

TCU at BYU Nov. 8
This is supposed to be the clash of the 2 best teams in the conference. It definitely is a clash of the two best coaches’ in the league. BYU will win, but don’t expect it to be very convincing. On a short turn around, BYU will be able to prepare just well enough to squeak out a win.
Winner: BYU

BYU at Wyoming Nov. 17
It’s time for the brawl in Laramie. This is a horrible place to play, especially at this time of the year. It’s bitterly cold, and the fans are lousy. Wyoming will want payback of the humiliation that they suffered last year losing 55-7. Here is the second upset of the season.
Winner: Wyoming
“The Holy War”
Utah at BYU Nov. 24
Last years game was one of the best football games that I have ever seen college or pro. This year Utah will be looking to avenge a game that they had put away until they went into a prevent defense and prevented themselves from winning. With two in conference losses, expect this game to mean something aside from bragging rights.
Winner: BYU

Second third of the season: 3-1
BYU’s final record: 9-3
The poll predicting BYU’s record will close in about 3 hours and changes in the final tally is unlikely. So ahead of schedule, here is your winner; Bronco and the Cougs will win 9 or 10 games this year (received 2/4 votes). 11 or 12 wins received 1 vote, as did BYU finishing with fewer than 6 wins and out of the bowl picture.

Still No Deal for the Mountain

There are many who probably do not know this about me, but when it comes to sports my first love has always been football. Whether it was watching Joe Montana or Steve Young throw touchdown passes to the great Jerry Rice, or watching Ty Detmer scramble out of the pocket to connect with Eric Drage, it did not matter to me because I love watching football (I think I will avoid playing it for a while though). For the past seven years I have been on hiatus from the NFL, leaving me only with college.

As I am sure that many of you are well aware, BYU has been my college football team for many years. I grew up watching their games at the stadium with my grandpa, or at home on TV. I have been able to watch their successes, and I have been able to watch their failures. From Bosco's national championship in '84 to the '96 cotton bowl victory, I have been able to watch it. I remember in recent history watching now QB coach Brandon Doman run the option with Doak walker award winner Luke Staley. I also remember how poorly it all ended under the same coach of that great team (Gary Crowton).Then there was last year. BYU football was on top of the Mountain West Conference again. They finished the regular season 10-2 and after a convincing victory over Oregon their record stood at 11-2. They were nationally ranked in the top 15. All in all it was a great year for BYU football. John Beck reminded us all of some of the former great QB's to pass through BYU. Jonny Harline was among the best in the nation at his position. Cameron Jensen led the most solid defense to pass through BYU in the last 10 years.

And where was I through all of this? Watching the two or three games that were televised by our dish company, and listening to the rest. Why would an avid BYU fan listen to the games instead of watching them you ask? Ask Craig Thompson, the commissioner for the Mountain West Conference. I cannot believe that anyone would be dumb enough to sign a contract that would prevent the fan base from viewing their teams. And yet he signed the contract knowing that no deal was in place with the dish companies, and that the majority owner of the mountain (the channel that would cover mwc sports) was Comcast. Unbelievable!!!And here we are, more than a year later, and still without a deal in place to allow fans to view their teams. Great leadership commissioner!!! Nice job!!!

In case you were wondering, the guy at the top of this post is my friend Jeremy. Jeremy is a U of U fan. We had a friendly bet on the outcome of the BYU-Utah game. As I am sure you can tell (or remember), BYU won (which meant that I did too). What a great game. What an even better finish. It was definitely one for the ages.