What Now?!

I still say SC got the shaft unwarranted. They have one player, Reggie Bush, that accepted gifts and mostly his parents are guilty. SC has not been pinned with any evidence that would hold up in court yet they still get nailed to the wall with the current players, most in high school or even Jr. high school, suffering. I still maintain that SC was the best team in college football in 1994 and that Reggie Bush was the greatest player on the field in 1995. SC fans will ALWAYS count to eleven with those national championships! ELEVEN AP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS, BABY!!! SEVEN HEISMAN'S!!! Fight On for Ole' SC!

NFL agent, Josh Luchs, admits to Sports Illustrated that he paid college players or provided them with other perks in addition to cash. In fact he states that only JJ Stokes, Keyshawn Johnson and Dana Stubblefield refused money or gifts. Sad? Yes. Surpising? No. So my question is, "Now what?!" It seems to me that the following teams need to forfeit wins and championships based on this confession, should it be collaborated...which shouldn't be hard as some players have already admitted it.

• 1990 Colorado Buffaloes - 11 wins, 1 tie Big 8 title, Orange Bowl victory and a National Championship
• 1991 Colorado Buffaloes - 8 wins, 2 ties, Big 8 title and Blockbuster Bowl victory
• 1990 Tennessee Volunteers - 9 wins, 2 ties and Sugar Bowl victory
• 1991 Tennessee Volunteers - 9 wins
• 1993 Arizona Wildcats - 9 wins, Fiesta Bowl victory and PAC 10 Championship
• 1994 Portland State Vikings - 8 wins
• 1994 Washington State Cougars - 8 wins
• 1995 Michigan State Spartans - 6 wins and 2 ties
• 1996 Washington State Cougars - 5 wins
• 1997 Washington State Cougars - 8 wins and PAC 10 Co-Championship
• 1999 USC Trojans - 6 wins
• 1990-2005 UCLA Bruins - Pretty much every victory, PAC 10 Championship and Bowl victory

To name a few....so, what now? Apparently nothing. Keep in mind...this is only one of thousands of agents coming forward. They are all guilty of this. The NCAA has a four year law of statutes. It seems like they choose who and when to bust and that it is truly a fascist organization. Players best interest, my butt! Players are getting paid all over the place and the worse thing is that they get busted for a couple hundred here and a couple hundred here while the NCAA and the universities rake in the money. The NFL players are arguing that they are basically slaves to the NFL owners and that is nothing compared to the slavery happening in college football. I say pay the players a small salary and let them at least not live in poverty JUST to prove they are amateurs. Maybe this will keep them from being tempted by the occasional hand out from these snakes in the grass agents.

WTH?!

Will someone please explain how adding the Utes and Buffs have improved the great PAC 10?!

Shut Up and Realize...USC is Good for College Football!

Everyone likes to see a giant fall. Too many people are excited to see SC experience things that prove the institution is not indestructible. What they don't realize is that USC Trojan Football is good for college football. More importantly, those fans of other PAC TEN schools need to realize is that SC is good for the PAC TEN. Below is an article from Nick Daschel's blog:

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Throughout the Pac-10, hands are furiously rubbing together in glee. Tongues are working overtime.

The King is dead.

You know that theme is playing out in sports bars and locker rooms in Eugene, in Seattle, in Corvallis, in Berkeley, in Tempe. Pete Carroll is gone and so is USC as the Pac-10’s immovable object. Finally, the nation is going to notice the Pac-10 for being something other than USC and the nine dwarfs.

Not so fast.

First, it’s not a foregone conclusion that USC’s dynasty is finished. The Trojans still have the Pac-10’s best recruiting classes from 2007, 2008 and2009. If USC hires a first-rate coach, there’s reason to believe the Trojans could string together two or three consecutive Pac-10 titles.

Even if athletic director Mike Garrett hires someone in his likeness – a bozo – USC will spoil more than few Pac-10 dreams just because of its talent.

But more importantly, why do many want to see the Trojans fall on hard times? A strong USC football program is good business for the Pac-10. When the Trojans are down, the nation considers the Pac-10 to be down.

It’s like Lakers-Celtics in the NBA, the New York Yankees in baseball, theDallas Cowboys in football. Love them or hate them, when those franchises are going well, so is business at the box office.

Let’s use the ACC as an example. This just in: the ACC is a BCS conference. But few around the country take the ACC seriously as a football league, even though as a whole, it has fared quite well in out-of-conference games in recent years. The reason the ACC is an afterthought is the lack of a superpower. When Florida State fell on hard times, so did the ACC.

The same is true with the Big East. It doesn’t have a bellcow football school, a program that is considered truly elite. Like the ACC, the Big East holds its own in non-conference games, but without a marquee program, it gets lost in the noise.

USC is the only program in the Pac-10 that can carry the water of a national power. Oregon may have sex appeal and the money bags of Phil Knight, but it’s a relative new shooter without a large television market. Washington is located in a large metropolitan area with a large TV base. But the Huskies have been down for so long, they’ll have trouble recovering even a small piece of their former status as a national program. California can’t win the Pac-10 title, let alone the nation. UCLA is only good for so long, and then basketball season starts.

The last time USC football was down for a period was the late 1990s through early 2000s. It might have been the worst period of football the Pac-10 has seen in decades. How else can you explain Tyrone Willingham winning a Pac-10 title (1999, Stanford) and Washington State getting to the Rose Bowl twice in five years?

If you want to see the Pac-10 become as irrelevant as the ACC and Big East, go ahead, root for USC to fall apart.

So, Shut up and root for SC to dominate once again. We all will be the better for it. FIGHT ON!!!

Truly Inspiring!

Many of you may have already seen this. If you have not, make sure you have a sleeve to wipe your eyes with before hitting play. A friend recently sent it to me again and I thought it was worthy of sharing here. This kid is truly inspiring and really understands life and happiness. I have often thought that the number one principle a parent ought to teach their children is the power of positive thinking and the benefits of a great attitude and outlook. Kudos to his parents as well.

I'm OK. I Don't Need To Be Talked Off The Ledge!

The 2009 USC Trojan Football Team in front of Heritage Hall which houses 11 National Football Championship trophies and 7 Heisman trophies

Supporting a team that wins is fun. Supporting one that wins often is more fun. Supporting a team that wins regularly simply ROCKS! There is just one problem...inevitably they will lose. It is natural law. What goes up, must come down. Boy, when you come down, there are soooo many at the bottom waiting to talk to you! Most of them are anxious to attempt to ruffle your feathers. After all, they haven't had the opportunity to do so in such a long time. Misery does enjoy company and they want you to be miserable too! For two reasons, I typically won't talk smack in the midst of success; 1) Why do so? Focus on the positive. Let your smack talk happen on the scoreboard and in the heads of the losers. They know they are losers. There is no reason to pound the point home. 2) I am smart enough to know that one day we will be in their spot and I hope they will be gracious winners as I have been. Now, with that said, I throw those two rules out the window and will happily talk smack on UCL-Lame any day. HAHA! Sorry, Timbo!

We interrupt this blog to announce that Urban Crier has retired early. Please direct all attention and sympathies his direction. Now back to your programming.

The flip side is that there are always that group of fans, like me, that feel bad when your team suffers. These are typically fans of other dominant teams. I think it is somewhat comical because they are always quick to make sure you are okay, as if I was literally on the ledge of a high rise building trying to gain the courage to jump! To them, let me send this message. I'm OK. I don't need to be talked off the ledge. I am a dear fan, but even I realize it is just a game.

We interrupt this blog again to announce that Urban Crier is no longer retiring, but is simply taking a leave of absence. Apparently his narcissistic personality did not receive enough attention the first time. Please send letters, flowers and congratulatory praises to Urban Crier Attention to The University of Florida. Now back to your scheduled programming.

USC had their worst season of the decade and finished 9-4 without a BCS bowl. While I was obviously not happy with the outcome. There are several reasons why I am "OK" with the outcome.

1. SC played a tremendously difficult schedule. Possibly the most difficult. They played four teams that were ranked in the top 10 at the time and beat three of them. The biggest point is that all four of those teams were played ON THE ROAD! In places like "The Horseshoe", Notre Dame Stadium and Autzen Stadium, three of the most difficult places to play on the road in the entire nation! They also played five other PAC TEN teams that at one point or another were ranked in the season. Five of the teams they played finished the regular season in the top 25. Tough schedule!
2. They lost a total of 12 players to the NFL draft last year. 9 of which were defensive. Anyone knows that Defense wins ball games. We were extremely inexperienced this year. We definitely have the talent, but not the experience and maturity.
3. Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley is going to be something magical. There is no doubt about it. However for now, he is just that...a true freshman quarterback. He will only get better.
4. Pride in the schedule. SC doesn't take the same path more trodden as the Big 10 (really eleven), SEC or sometimes even the Big 12, by scheduling patsy, Division II or directional schools like University of Louisiana Monroe (Texas), Charleston Southern (Florida and Alabama), Northern Texas (Alabama), Chattanooga (Alabama), etc. Instead, they scheduled a highly ranked Ohio State, and a ranked Notre Dame. The PAC Ten don't play that way, and I for one, take pride in that. I hope they don't ever succumb to the pressures created by a weak BCS system and change this policy.
5. No Coaches. Pete Carroll replaced his Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Quarterback Coach, Defensive Line Coach, Cornerbacks Coach, and Special Teams Coordinator all in one year. What's worse is that the previous coaches all went to coach for teams that SC would play and it proved effective against them as was seen in the Washington loss.
6. 9-4 is not a bad season. If 9-4 has become the low point in a program, you are doing great! About now, UCLA would kill for a 9-4 record. OUCH! Historically, THE University of Southern California is the most storied and successful program of all time. Once again, SC has put together the greatest team of the decade. Arguments can be made for other teams as well, but just to be in the argument speaks volumes regarding the success of Pete Carroll, USC and the Men of Troy.

We interrupt this list to announce that Urban Crier will be back at the helm of UF next year. In an attempt to get more recognition and attention he would like everyone to refer to the off-season as "leave of absence" from this point forward.

Sorry about all the interruptions. Where was I...oh, yeah! I am glad the season is over. Am I happy that SC had what amounts to a mediocre season...not really, but maybe a little. A wise man once said, "There must needs be an opposition in all things". Losing makes winning taste sweeter. Winning cannot be taken for granted. It should be fought for valiantly and then graciously accepted, but never expected and undervalued. SC had a great run, but the run is not over. I believe the path has become more difficult, but 2009 will prove to be but a speed bump in the road. Fight On Trojans! FIGHT ON!!!

SUCK A DUCK!!!

What an awful week. Last week was great with a fantastic end to a fun trip in So Cal. This week started out tough with coming home to a home that needed to be put back together due to painting while we were gone. That would not be so bad, except that I was illin' big time. Then Leah got sick which required so much time and attention too, not to mention pain and anguish to see my little girl not feeling so hot. Then Sarah got sick, so now we both had to take turns not sleeping to care for Leah. Work was busy. USC lost to an amazing Oregon Duck team. To top it all off, I finally got the chance to make it up to the church building tonight at 10pm only to find out that I can't catch up because the computer is toast! This has been one of the most stressful and worst weeks of my life! Man, did I pick an awful week to quit drinking soda! There were a couple bright spots...because we were all sick I didn't have to dress up for Halloween and I absolutely loved how cuddly and loving Leah was when she was sick. It was so fun...still I would rather she was not sick...but seriously, it was great!

Happy Birthday To EVERYONE!!!

We were blessed to go to California for ten days to visit family and enjoy the warmer weather. We left Friday at 3pm after getting our house in order. We initially planned to drive half way and spend the night in Mesquite or Vegas. We assumed Leah would not make it the entire drive at once. We were wrong. Leah was a dream! She slept so long and simply enjoyed the ride. We made it to my brother's house by 11pm...9 hours!

The first item of business on our trip was to celebrate with family. We had so much to celebrate. First and foremost, that we were all together. I have a great family and we truly enjoy each other's company. Secondly, birthdays! We have four birthdays in October; Jimmy, Mom, Madyson and Leah! Thirdly, Scott graduated from college...THE FIRST TROSPER EVER!!! We are proud of him. Fourthly, my D.O.D. is still with us. After he had a heart attack and emergency surgery two weeks ago, we were simply satisfied to have him in the room with us! Fifthly, USC beat Notre Dame. We enjoyed watching it and it was a good and close game. Lastly, Scott and Cynthia are excited to announce they are expecting in May. We are excited to have another little cousin for Leah to grow up with.

It was fun exchanging presents and laughing with everyone. Leah was spoiled of course. We ate a ton! This is not an uncommon event when the Trospers get together. Jim is a master BBQ'er and Smoker! He had so much good meat prepared. The ribs and chicken were particularly tasty! My Mum made two cakes; one for Madyson and one for Leah. They were so good! I think that Leah's cake may have been the best cake I have ever eaten!

Well, they say that a picture tells a thousand words. Here are a few thousand words to look at.

Leah with her D.O.G. (Dear Old Grand-dad)

Aunt Samantha spoiled Leah with love

Sarah and Mom

Leah was the life of the party, as usual.

Scott and Cynthia showing some of their baby loot!

My Mum reading a birthday card

Scott, proud to be a dad soon!

Jim loves politics and cooking and beer! Happy Birthday, Whimpy!

Happy Birthday Madyson, aka My Lil' Gremlin!

Leah was spoiled with so many cool gifts. She was so grateful and happy with each one.

Mady isn't really sure how to wear boots yet

The Birthday Boy

Leah's cake that Grandmum made

Her cousins love Leah sooooooo much.

Hailey Leilani and Little Leah Caity B

Madyson and her favorite cousin, Leah

Thanks to The Trospers, Trospers, and Trospers for the hospitality they showed us while we slept in their beds, watched their TVs and ate their food. We had a fun time. The party was great!

2 Weeks, 2 Days and 2 Hours

But who's counting?! I am. In my efforts to stay sane until the college football season begins, I surfed around a bit on Pete Carroll's website. I like this guy. He has the ability to inspire greatness in his players and through constant competition is able to raise the expectations and thus the results of those he coaches. Of course, at some point, some may argue it gets easier due to the talent he recruits due to his successes, but that in and of itself presents it's own troubles. None the less, I found this poem he wrote and thought I would share it. It is titled, "Always Compete". I love his coaching and I love his philosophies, but he apparently is no Longfellow.

ALWAYS COMPETE...by Pete Carroll

Always Compete....
As you progress through your sporting life...
Always Compete.
If you want to go for it...
Always Compete.
You're gonna have to make Choices in Life and those choices need to be Conscious Decisions.
There's only one person in Control here and that person is You...
You hold All the cards. You are the Master of You. It's time to admit it...
You have always known this. So if you're ready, act on it...
Always Compete.
Don't you dare try to be too Cool, don't you dare be afraid of Life,
just "Dare to be Great," and Let it Rip.
Always be Humble, Always be Kind, Always be Respectful...
Always Compete!
Everything you do counts and screams who You are...there is no hiding from You.
Act as if the Whole World will know who you are...
Always Compete.
Be True to Yourself and Let Nothing hold You back.
Compete to be the Greatest You and that will Always be enough and that will be a Lifetime!
Always Compete.

Now that this entry is complete, there is only 2 Weeks, 2 Days, 1 Hour and 50 Minutes...but who is counting.
Fight On and Always Compete.

One Month and Counting!

Precisely one month until USC Trojan Football begins! I am stoked and I can't wait. Unfortunately, I will have to! I hate this time of year. No football, no basketball and no hockey. Nothing worth watching on TV! That's right, baseball fans! I said it! Nothing worth watching on TV!

The latest pre-season poll shows USC as #2 behind #1 Florida. While I admit that pre-season polls are worthless, I would rather see my team ranked high as opposed to not. What I would really like to see is a trip in the "way back machine" and somehow watch USC beat up on those Gators the two years they went to the big dance! The last few years, the countdown to college football also means the countdown to the lame media and marketing hypnotic chants of "the SEC is sooooo dominant"! Is anyone else getting sick of hearing this? I know I am. Believe me, I am no dumby! I know the SEC is amazingly talented and strong. But does anyone else see through this repetitive sales pitch? The PAC TEN does. Their media day posted all kinds of fun facts. I believe I will share some of them.

• The PAC TEN has the highest bowl winning % of all conferences of all time.
• Since 2000, The PAC TEN versus the SEC - 10-7
• Since 2000, The PAC TEN is the only conference to have a winning % against ALL conferences.
• Since 2000, The PAC TEN is 9-2 in BCS Bowl games.
• They did all of this with the lowest percentage of non-conference games against 1-AA opponents! (Something the SEC and Big 10, really 11, are famous for)
  
• The PAC TEN has more all time team national championships than any other conference with 378, hence, "The Conference of Champions". #2 conference is the Big 10 (really 11) with 200 championships.

Here are some other stats:

• USC all time versus the SEC - 19-10-1
  
• Since 2000, USC versus the SEC - 5-0 with a score of 167-48. The only worse whooping was on the Big Ten (really eleven)!
  

I hate very few things, but I think Urban Meyer may be one of them. I like the SEC. I love those historic powerhouses like Bama (one of two SEC teams with a winning record against SC), but can do without their whiny, self touting conference.

Bring on some football already!

44 Days, 21 hours and 2 minutes....But Who's Counting!?

I am jonesing big time for some college football. USC's game is roughly a month and two weeks away. Granted, it is against San Jose State Spartans, but still. there will be an oval pigskin ball in the hands of a warrior wearing cardinal and gold. It makes my heart sing!

Fight On! For Ole' SC!
Our men Fight On to victory!
Our Alma Mater dear,
looks up to you
Fight On and win,
For Ole' SC!
Fight On to victory!
Fight On!

Hello. My Name Is Marque And I Am A College Football-aholic

Okay, apparently I have a problem.  College football has not even been over for two weeks and I am jonesing bad!  I check the four major sports pages online every day for any college football I can find.  It seems the world has moved on, but I have not.  Don't get me wrong, I have plenty other things to do, like play with Leah, watch a movie with Sarah, work, etc.  But I just haven't let go yet.  I think it is time.  They say the first step is recognizing you have a problem, right?

Happy 2009 From The Trosper Trojan Family

Happy New Year from The Trospers!!!  

We finished off 2008 with friends we love and welcomed in 2009 with more of the same!  

Leah's first New Year's Eve was spent at our great neighbor's home, The Ashbys.  The Boshells and Petersons (sans Dana due to work) also came over.  We ate food, played games and had a good time.  Bryan and Jessica Boshell had a little girl, Shilo, a week before we got Leah.  We always joke that Leah and Shilo will naturally be best friends.  How fitting that they spent their first New Year's Eve together!  

New Year's morning we extended an open door invitation to anyone who was hungry to usher in 2009 with a sweet and hearty breakfast.  Breakfast was chocolate chip pancakes topped with bananas, strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate and strawberry syrup!  YUMMY!  We had about 20 come with empty bellies and leave with full bellies!  The Coxes, Boshells, Casales, (sans Heidi who was ushering in the new year the right way at the gym....show off!), Randy Tubbs and some of the young men, Reese, Nick, Jared and Trevor.  We watched the Rose Parade which is always part of the New Year's morning traditions.

Of course, the highlight of the day was watching my USC Trojans win their third Rose Bowl in a row in dominating fashion.  Jason Valderrama and Randy Tubbs came over to enjoy the butt whooping, So Cal style!  Of course, my girls dressed in support of the men of Troy as well.  Leah is so cute in her Mark Sanchez jersey.  Sarah is so cute when she gets excited for the game, (she loves me...she really loves me)!  SC beat Penn State with a dominating defense and a near flawless offense.  Sanchez set a Rose Bowl record for completion % and two USC Rose Bowl records for yards thrown and completions made.  SC's defense was sick!  I would not want to meet Taylor Mays in the middle of the field....EVER!!!  You may notice our shirts are 2009 Rose Bowl Champions tee shirts.  I got these three days ago from a friend of mine, Dan Van Beek, who designed them.  I had to promise to destroy them in the event that Penn State won.  I felt comfortable making that promise that I knew I would never have to follow through with.  Thanks, Dan!  When I asked Jason what he thought about my shirt before the game, his reply was, "It's tight!"  Thanks Jason!  With friends like these......

2008 brought the Trospers many trials and blessings.  With all things considered, we would accept the trials again if the blessings were the same.  We love Leah with all our heart.  While we did many things in 2008, the thing we will always remember the most was the day Caitlin helped us start our family.  We are so, so grateful for the blessings our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us this year, including the trials we have learned from.  We look forward to 2009 with a commitment to better ourselves and make a life for Leah that she deserves.  We love our family and our friends so much and thank them for the love and support they have showered upon us this last year.  We hope we can find ways to repay you all in some way the coming year.  We will start with our wishes of happiness and prosperity in 2009!

Football Ramblings

A few thoughts after this weekend:

• Football is more fun to watch with friends on a big screen and in surround sound! Thanks Jason Kelley for helping me set up my home theater system in the basement.

• The Trojans D is legit! There are soooo many offensive powerhouses in college football right now. I would put the SC defense up against any of them. The men of Troy have shut down every offensive juggernaut they have seen this year with the exception of those pesky Beavers from the Pacific Northwest; Ohio State, Oregon and Cal are all ranked very high in offensive production, yet struggled against a stingy and dominant SC Defense.

• I hate Charlie Weis. Of course I don't really know Charlie Weis, but for a guy who was a fourth choice for Notre Dame, he sure came in with more swagger than he earned. I am unsure if this new AD at ND knows what he is doing by offering Charlie so much money after two good seasons with Ty's players, but the damage is now done and Notre Dame is forced to try to find a way to get rid of the ego maniacal and losing Weis at the expense of the boosters! Would any coach want to coach there after they mistreated Willingham?! ND is an already difficult school to coach at, yet they managed to make it even less appealing! To look at Weis makes me ill!

• What the heck is Tennessee thinking?! Believe me, I like Kiffin. I think he will be a great coach, but I think his decision to go to Oakland and coach the Raiders was a decision that was ill offered and ill accepted! Sark had it right when he turned it down. There is still a whole life ahead to get to that level. When you get to that level you want to stay there. Somehow, Tennessee is convinced that Kiffin is the guy to lead them back to greatness. I hope he does, but if I were a Vol, I would want someone with more experience to draw from when the going gets tough. Then again, ignorance is bliss. Good luck, Lane.

• SC is on the outside looking in and it is frustrating. I am not stating that the four teams ahead of SC are not good, because they clearly are very talented. I am frustrated that SC is not getting the same props that an Alabama or Florida team gets for running up scores with starters in almost to the end against inferior non-conference competition. Alabama beat Tulane, Western Kentucky and Arkansas State by a total score of 96-13 (combined record of 10-24) while Florida racked up big wins against Hawaii, Citadel and a once good Miami by a total score of 152-32 (combined record of 18-18). SC beat Virginia, Notre Dame and then ranked #2 OSU by a total score of 125-13 (combined record of 22-15) and did so with their starters sitting on the bench by minute two of quarter 3. I realize the PAC 10 is not what it should be this year, but 33% of the PAC 10 is ranked in the top, while 33% of the the SEC is also ranked in the top 25...What's the diff?! Outside of a very fast and talented Florida team and a greatly coached Alabama team, who else in the SEC really matters? LSU, Georgia, Tennesee? They all have sucked too! SC's loss was to a ranked Oregon State. Florida's loss was to a ranked Mississippi team, Alabama is undefeated. The Big 12 is so amazingly talented this year and both Oklahoma and Texas should be ranked ahead of Florida. However it plays out, I can see why SC is on the outside looking in, the four teams ahead of them are just as deserving. Bottom line, I hate Florida and a good friend loves Alabama, so I hope Alabama shuts down that talented Gator team and maybe somehow Oklahoma loses to Missouri while SC manhandles UCLA so overwhelmingly that we jump over Texas...Then it may end up SC and Bama in the championship game. Wouldn't that be nice to see two old school powerhouses have at each other for all the marbles. First things first, U-C-L-Lame! Then off to the Rose Bowl....AGAIN!

• BYU should become an independent. The Mountain West conference doesn't provide anything to BYU but a potential conference championship that isn't respected anywhere anyway! BYU should take it's name and fan following on the road as an independent. Their games would be nationally televised at least five times a year versus a couple times a year on Versus or The Mountain to be viewed by the twelve people in the local area that get those channels! They could sell their name for away games to the highest bidder because other schools know from experience that the Y sells out games and has a built in fan base wherever they go. By becoming an independent, they would not only continue to be a staple in bowl games, but would not have to share their winnings with a conference that, again, provides nothing in return. The added exposure along with the game and bowl earnings would allow them to attract more blue chip athletes and compete, thus placing them in line more often for a BCS bid than they will ever see in the pathetically managed Mountain West Conference.

• The Big Twelve is STACKED!!!! This has proven to be unfortunate for the teams as they compete against each other and often knock each other off, but what a blessing it has been to not have to hear about the SEC all year! My only fear is that Oklahoma will get to yet another National Championship Game to only lay a big goose egg once again.

• Great job Non-BCS Schools with three finishing undefeated in the top twelve. We need a playoff!

Random Thoughts for a Saturday Evening

Team 1151 of O-Hills

Random Thought #1

Often times I see young punks between the ages of 12 and 17 doing or saying stupid things and I find myself asking "Was I that stupid?! Was I anything like that when I was that age?" I remember being a pretty sharp kid with a pretty strong support group in my friends. When I watch the young men I work with in the Orchard Hills Ward, present, past and future, I find myself saying, "These guys are just like I and my friends were when we were their age". I believe that to be a compliment.

Today I had the opportunity to go to an Eagle court of honor for two of these young men I may have the opportunity to work with directly in the near future, Riley Cox and Ryan Hall. Now, I will admit that the Scouting program is a little watered down in Utah compared to what I remember of Troop 200, but we have an amazing group of guys. I believe there are currently twelve young men that have earned their Eagle Scout Award. This is impressive by any standard, even more by Utah standard. Those over the Scouting program in Troop and Teams 1151 have done a good job to see that their boys receive the support and encouragement they need to accomplish this great task. They deserve a big pat on the back.
Random Thought #2
I hope the people in harm's way in Southern California are doing everything they can to be safe. I hope the firefighters are safe too. Yorba Linda has been hit very strong by this destruction as has Chino Hills State Park. Whenever I needed alone time or time to think and pray or even just time to study, I would do so at Chino Hills State Park. I have many fond memories of mountain biking, hiking, working on Eagle Projects, etc at that Park. It saddens me to think it will be a charred mess.
Random Thought #3
The BCS is a mess again and it has not even been attacked by wild fires! USC is playing the most dominating defensive football of any school out there. It would be fun to see them take on anyone. I thoroughly enjoy watching the SC D every Saturday....why do they not consider D for style points?! Jim Harbaugh is a horse's ass! I can't stand Charlie Weis and think he is WAY over rated. The BYU and UofU game should be a great one with all that rides on it!
Random Thought #4
Leah Caitlin Bliss Trosper has got to be the cutest little thing ever! This morning she smiled at me several times and it made my day. Caitlin has asked if we can meet her for dinner sometime in December to exchange Christmas gifts. Of course we agreed and this made me feel good too.
Random Thought #5
It amazes me how little things still remind me of Rush. I really miss him and it makes me mad that someone has him and is purposely not trying to find his rightful owner. I hope he is happy.
Random Thought #6
$1800! That is what it cost to fix the Rover! New Serpentine Belt, Radiator, Water Pump, and Thermostat! The guy at the shop asked me if I learned my lesson about owning a Rover. I told him "No" as this was my second and probably not my last Rover that I would own. Rover's rock!

Random Thought #7
Do not try the 6 Italian Cheese Pizza from Papa John's....it is nothing to rave about.

Random Thought #9
I need to wrap this up so I can prepare my lesson for the Teacher's Quorum tomorrow. I have no idea what I am going to teach.

Random Thought #10
I wonder how many people caught that there was not a number 8.

Have a happy day!

Here We Go Again!!!

Are you sick of seeing photos of Leah yet? When you do get tired of it....tell someone who cares?! I am fascinated by her beauty more and more every day! She sleeps well compared to all the horror stories people told us prior to her birth. Maybe we were just expecting the worse and have been pleasantly surprised. She only wakes up twice a night, but lately, she likes to stay awake for a couple hours each time. I (for the most part) have enjoyed staying up with her. She is so fun to look at and I love how she looks at me. I swear she is memorizing my features and outline. She stares with such focus into my gaze. Sarah is a trooper. She so willingly gets up with her every time even though she has yet to learn to take naps during the day when Leah is asleep. She is a great mother. Anyway, here are just a couple more photos of my angel.

Leah loves to sleep with her hands up around her face.
Sarah feeding Leah. She is always missing a sock!
One of the cute outfits given to Leah by a loving neighbor
Me and My Little Trojan! Fight On!

GO USC!!! GO LEAH!!! GO COUGS!!!

We took Leah to our friend's home to have her pictures taken.  This was quite an experience.  I don't think Leah enjoyed it.  Curtis and Deena were so patient and kind while Leah twisted, cried and fought the process.  While they were putting their kids to bed, I snuck a few pics with Curtis' camera.  Deena could not resist and sent us this photo.  Too funny.  Thanks again, Curtis and Deena.  Sorry Leah peed on all your drop cloths!  And for the record, I also love BYU Football.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

We are excited to share some of our favorite things with Leah. We wasted no time in doing this. As a matter of fact, before Leah ever saw her new home, she saw El Pollo Loco! Her first full day in her new home was spent watching football! She was so good to oblige these few of my favorite things that I obliged to do her favorite thing....sleep.

Let it go in the records that Leah went to El Pollo Loco before she ever went home!

USC Babies Rock!

Sanchez throwing 5 touchdowns in one half in honor of Leah the newest little Trojan

Fight On!

After a good meal from El Pollo Loco and a good Trojan game, it is now nap time!