Irish eyes are smiling...even though we lost

Beautiful weather, dear friends and classmates, and a close game made for a picture-perfect game day in South Bend on Saturday. It was truly the luck of the Irish that my friend had an extra ticket so that I could take a break from the daily Chicago grind and enjoy some football...

There were some changes to the stadium (and to the ticket itself) - it was fun to see the updates!

And some views never change - we could see "Touchdown Jesus" from our seats one row from the top of the North end zone!

Hungry? Ben's Pretzels is the ONLY way to go. At least, that's our humble opinion...

And what would the game be without the band?? They sounded and looked as good as ever...

In fact, during halftime, they played "Wagonwheel," where they formed into a horse and carriage. They moved across the field, wheels spinning and everything!

It was a late night to make the drive back after the game, but it was good to sleep in my own bed. I didn't get a chance to do much this morning before getting ready for my sister's school's opening Mass and celebration, which is always a good time.

Needless to say, right now I am operating on nearly empty so I think I'll be hitting the hay momentarily. Lots going on this week, especially on the volleyball court for my 8th grade girls team. Busy as always...but that's the way I operate...

One word: Joy

It's a great day for the Irish - well, it would have been a better day if we could have "flown the W" like the Cubs (holler!).

But talk about game day picture-perfect: amazing weather, plenty of time to tailgate hop with friends (it was a night game, after all), and lots of beautiful expected (and unexpected!) faces.

One word: JOY!

On Facebook, I posted these photos with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "I didn't find my friends; the good Lord gave them to me." This could not be more true! Days like yesterday remind me of this, and I have to pinch myself.

Now, as Sunday night is upon me, I look back with gratitude over my weekend experiences (except the part where I had to turn around after getting to the grocery store on Friday to get my phone I had left at school - ah!) and look ahead with hopeful anticipation. Let us keep one another in prayer.

Grading, Preparing, Football, and St. Therese

Where on earth did September go?

I know I'm not the only one thinking that because I've asked around.

I haven't been out of the house much today (which is good because the rain was really coming down earlier) - I've been watching college football, grading, and making slides/videos for the upcoming week of Religion classes. It was a lot of work, but I feel confident that I'll be getting the week off on a strong foot through the preparation.

"Exhibit A": my students' books on prayer with ND playing in the background...

(Tomorrow I will need to catch up with grad school stuff - and by "catch up", I really mean "get ahead so I don't get behind." Story. of. my. life.)

Last night was a ton of fun - I hung out with a few friends from church and also ran into some familiar faces (mostly other ACErs/ACE grads):

No complaints from the weekend so far. And with apple picking (and Mass) tomorrow, life is pretty darn sweet.

But before I close, I would be remiss to ignore the October 1st feast of St. Therese of Lisieux (better known to some as "Therese, the Little Flower" or "Saint of the Little Way"). Happy Confirmation Saint day feast to my sister and me!

St. Therese is such a great model of faith for so many reasons, and this year I joined others in praying a novena to her for vocations - it was helpful to have a way to hold myself accountable (even if it was through coloring):

St. Therese, pray for us!

One more day of the weekend before a short week with students - yay for professional development on Friday!

Cloudy with a Chance of Smiles and Football

Notre Dame football - it's more than the game itself (win v. lose). It's about the people you plan to visit/catch up with, happily run into, make new friends with, or with whom you travel...

one of my Remick classmates - we parked at her parents' house by campus!

Found my SJV pastor at the Holy Cross tailgate

getting a break from the rain...

our seats...in the senior section...?

mmm...only the best pretzels

view from our seats - we made some new usher friends (because our seats were apparently a little messed up)

lucked out with sitting/standing by the top of the section - something to lean on!

token picture with the field

lovely leprechaun from the ND band

and representing the band Chicago

Heath frozen custard at Ritters

and happy twins with their ice cream

perfect weather for a perfect day

So grateful for the beautiful day and wonderful people. Not sure where I'd be without ACE - definitely not in South Bend for Irish football games.

Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame...

Happy to call this place home...

Brrrrrr...illiant!

Notre Dame, Michigan State, and University of South Florida football wins all on the same day - INCREDIBLE!

While it was a chilly day in the Bend, we had a good time...

Fight on for victory!

Let's not forget the FUN

In all the craziness of this weekend, I forgot to post the FUN pictures. Yes, we did have a GRAND time at the game. ND played well and we got to hang out with friends all day - what's not to love?

Here you go! Have a wonderful Wednesday!

My favorite shirt by far...obviously

Win one for the Gipper!

Look, you can see Touchdown Jesus from our seats!

Got our game faces on

token band picture

all smiles after an Irish victory

speculoos cookie butter shake 

definitely all smiles after that one!