BYU vs. WSU game

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :):) :) :) :) :)

Yep. I think that describes my feelings to a T on Thursday, August 30, 2012 when this happened......

This sweet shot was captured seconds after he scored the first touchdown of the 2012 season for the BYU Cougars. And not to mention, his first TD in a college game, first catch in a college game,  first game he ever played in college period, AND his first game to ever even dress in college. Wow. Talk about a crazy/awesome experience.

Rewinding a bit, when Sky first got in the game on his first play at the beginning of the first quarter, I about had a heart attack. My cute father-in-law was consoling me, but I was just so anxious/nervous/excited. I saw him running out there and immediately just freaked out! On his first play he had a couple of sweet blocks, and my nervousness started to subside--but I was still waiting for his first catch. Little did I know it would be a TD. 

After he scored the touchdown, he did a few chest bumps, a few fist pumps, and then this...

...the famous "I Love You" sign. ESPN caught Sky doing this as he was running off the field. A few nights before, Sky & I were in bed, daydreaming about the game and what could happen. We knew it would be his first game at BYU where he was likely to get in for quite a few plays. Sky said, "What should I do if I score a touchdown?!" (meaning how should he celebrate?) I gave him some ideas, but his idea was better than any I had given. He said, "You better watch cause I'm gunna give you the "I love you sign" right after." I thought this was so cute cause this has been "our sign" since the first time we said I love you. (Ya, ya I know it's everyone's sign, but it is still special to us). 

So sure enough, Sky fulfilled his promise! First he pointed up to the stands where I was sitting, and then gave me the sign :) I about cried when I saw this. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget. Here is the replay of the TD and the sign... http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn%3A8320486

Alright, now onto articles. Sky's Facebook page has been BLOWN UP by congratulations, quotes, articles, memories, friend requests, pictures, etc. And I love it! I love reading about his accomplishments and all the good things people have to say about him. Here are some of my favorites...

In the words of head coach Bronco Mendenhall, 

"I gave an award to Skyler Ridley for just grit, determination and resolve. For how many years he's battled on the scout team, how hard he's wanted to be a part of the program, how much it meant to him. And then for him to get his opportunity, and to block the way he blocked and catch the ball the way he caught the ball, to play as hard as he played, and to take hits the way he took hits, and bounce up like it was fun--which I think it was to him. It was so refreshing to have no sense of entitlement but just gratitude--and I love that. So I recognized him in front of the team just as the epitome of a mindset that I'd like for kids to have." http://www.ksl.com/?nid=498&sid=22027188

Other articles called Sky "the hero of the game", or the "Y factor of the night". Riley Nelson was quoted saying, 

"Really proud of Skyler. It was good, he's kind of a throw back guy and he did exactly what I knew he could do. He'd been doing that all fall camp, and he knew exactly what to do on every play, made a couple tough catches--he's a tough sucker." http://byucougars.com/video/m-football/byu-rolls-over-washington-state

Another article said,

"One of the biggest surprises of the night, Skyler Ridley. Ridley finished with six receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown, and although these numbers aren't incredibly flashy, he is tough as nails. In the second quarter, he took a hit to the helmet that probably would've cost the defensive player dozens of thousands of dollars in the NFL. Although Ridley probably could've sustained a concussion from the hit, he stood up and lined up for the next play." http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1318767-byu-football-5-lessons-learned-from-the-wsu-game/page/2

Bronco also said of Skyler, 

"Skyler was really the story of the game as far as I'm concerned. There was no one that played harder on either side of the ball--and he was productive. There's a difference between playing hard and then also making plays, and he did both. His blocking ability, when you watch the film, he's all over the place. Almost like one of those chihuahua dogs that is just nipping at your heels all the time and your trying to get him away from you and he just keeps coming and coming. He's pesky, and their defensive players were so tired of him. And man they'd throw the ball to him and he'd catch it and he'd get hit hard, and they'd throw the ball to him and he'd catch it and he'd get hit hard... and he just kinda keeps going. And it was really fun to watch him."http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=841&sid=11921977&title=byu-football-with-head-coach-bronco-mendenhall

I LOVE that last quote. It describes the game so well. We had a good laugh at this one too, I call Sky my little chihuahua now. Haha. 

Another article that is specifically about Sky is "BYU football: Skyler Ridley answered call when needed." Sky has been interviewed by SO many reporters this past week, and this article has one of his quotes in it...

"Tonight was really a dream come true for me," said Ridley following the WSU game. "To have a catch like that be my first career catch here at BYU — I'm just excited about how it worked out. I obviously wasn't used to catching touchdowns and really didn't know what to do after I scored the touchdown, but having my teammates run up to me and hearing the fans — it was an amazing experience that I'll never forget." http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765601328/BYU-football-Skyler-Ridley-answered-call-when-needed.html?pg=2

Isn't he just the cutest?! And oh so humble!

Now turning to quotes from the fans... so many people just LOVE Sky's story of coming from 3 years on the scout team to being such a star in the opening game of the season. Here are some of the comments that people made on the above article...

"Congrats on a great breakout game Skyler! Here's hoping for you many more opportunities like these in the future. I bet Bronco's book has something about him teaching kids humility, honor, spirit and such. When a 'spotlight' hits you don't blow the moment. Take it in, enjoy the warmth, say something appropriate, and get back to work. A walk-on kid at BYU has earned his stripes. Love it!" 

"Doesn’t it warm your heart to hear about the guy that nobody believed has a chance; then to watch him succeed because of his hard work, dedication and personal effort? It’s what America is all about; opportunity to be rewarded for personal effort and refusing to give up! Congratulations Skyler, lots of people admire you and what you have accomplished!" 

"Loved the slow motion replay of Skyler's TD. He ran a perfect rout which created distance from the DB. Beautiful TD catch. Reminded me of Austin Colie. Can't wait to see more from Ridley." 

"What I liked about Skyler was his toughness. He got popped a few times and bounced up with swagger. With the role he might play, Skyler will have to be able to do that as a WR is BYU's offense. He also made some nice grabs and surprised me some with his route running."

Then there were some pretty funny ones from this stream...  http://www.cougarcorner.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12711 

• Seriously, where'd this guy come from?
• Scout team hero. Bronco style player through and through!
• The guy was an absolute hero last night, and a throw back to the 80s style BYU receiver that runs crisp routes, catches the ball, and hangs on.
• Guy took a beating. Good for him. He was open all night. He and Falslev had great games. Opponents will key in on Hoffman and Apo, opening things up for Ridley and Falslev.
• He caught everything thrown his way even when he was getting hung out to dry with high throws.

Whew. Alright I'm pretty burned out. And I need to do some homework. So I think this will be it for my husband's BYU debut football game. Forgive me for posting so much, but it will be nice to have a consolidation of all articles/quotes/pictures from the game in one place.

Game vs. Weber State this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. MT. Can't wait! Go #17!!!

the beginning of forever: our wedding

Wow. We are officially and finally MR. AND MRS. RIDLEY, and the past month has been so awesome. And of course on the list of "to do's" is start a blog! Because that's what married women do right? They blog! Haha. And I say married "women" instead of "couples" because you can bet your bottom dollar Sky won't be writing a single post. Ha! But we are excited to have a blog none the less since it really is a good way to remember the little things and journal our new life together, as well as keep our long distance family and friends in the loop with what we're up to! So here goes...

This post is our first, so it includes everything wedding. Starting with the our proposal, then our "Love Story" video, then engagements, bridals, endowment, wedding dinner, wedding day, then on to the honeymoon (oo-la-la).

...proposal...

The proposal happened on February 12, 2012. It was one of those amazing, thought out, spotlight proposals that girls dream about all their lives. It was a snowy Sunday when Sky proposed, and all my roommates were gone somewhere (made up an excuse as to where they went) and Sky said he was at church late doing his calling. So I was just at home reading and napping waiting for Sky to finish up. Finally he called me and we went on a winter drive up by Rock Canyon Park....... (to be continued in the video below.)

It was amazing to have both of our families there, as well as our closest friends! Sky had it filmed, so instead of describing to ya'll how the whole thing went down here is the video and pictures. Enjoy!

 

...Love Story...

For those of you who have seen our Love Story on Facebook, this is the extended version... kid pictures and all! It tells the story of how we met, fell in love, became engaged, and also interviews us about each other :) Twigs and a Pearl Productions (done by Elise and Andrew Curtis) made the video, and I absolutely love it.  Finding the videographer was easy since I LOVED her work and she had recently done one of my best friends Taylor's wedding

...engagements...

Choosing a photographer was, in my opinion, one of the biggest headaches of wedding planning. (Right under invitations that is.) But when I finally found Sara Boulter Photography, I fell in love with her images and her style. She had great packages and she was available on my wedding day. PHOTOGRAPHER BOOKED! YES! (But only after days and days of research.) Here are some of our favorites...

...bridals...

Sara also shot our bridals and I am totally obsessed. I absolutely LOVE our location and Sara did an awesome job! My mom came along to help hold up my dress thru the cow pie scattered field, make sure my hair was placed perfect, and all that important schuff :) ha.

After bridals, we headed down the canyon and randomly stopped at a mexican restaurant in Orem called "Maria Bonita". Best discovery of our lives. Amazing food, HUGE portion sizes (like 10 pound burritos... ok not really, but they're ginormous), totally affordable prices, and GREAT service. The lady that owns the place is darling... she gives you a hug when you come in and is so sweet the whole time. All in all, we loved the place and highly recommend it!

As you can tell I LOVE food, so I had to talk about that restaurant for a bit. But now back to bridals... here are some of the favs!

...the endowment...

I had the chance to go through the temple for my first time the Wednesday before we were married (June 13, 2012). I chose to go through my home temple in Bountiful, and it was a beautiful experience. The feeling in the temple is amazing, one I'll never forget. It was great to have our parents, many of our aunts and uncles, and my grandma there. Here are some of the pictures from that night.

These first two were taken by Sky's parents right after we came out of the temple. Sky and I walked around the backside of the temple to see the beautiful view of the valley. I loved being able to talk to Sky about the experience and hear his insight and love for the temple.

...the wedding dinner...

Sky's family put on an awesome dinner the night before our wedding in which our wedding party, immediate family, and aunts and uncles came to. It was a beautiful night full of yummy food and lots of tears and laughs as our friends and family toasted us (is that how you word it?) the night before we were to be married. We will never forget some of the kind words that were spoken by so many of our best friends and family members. We are so blessed to have such stalwart parents, supportive siblings, and awesome friends. We love you guys!!

The centerpieces...

My Bountiful bridesmaids

My Provo bridesmaids

...the wedding day...!

After a four month engagement, the wedding day FINALLY came, and it was everything I ever dreamed it would be... and more! I was sealed to my husband and man of my dreams for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple, in the presence of family and close friends. It was amazing! I simply can't believe that Skyler Marc Ridley, the most handsome, sweet, honest, athletic, willing to do anything for me, sexy, humble, smart, spiritual giant of a man is mine forever. (Sorry... that was pretty mushy, but so true.) He is a top-notch catch, and I feel more than lucky. Ok, ok... back to the wedding day! We don't have our professional pictures from Sara or video from Elise yet, but here is a sneak peak :)

Our first picture as husband and wife... (aw cute!)

All in all, it was a beautiful day--one that neither of us will ever forget :)

...the honeymoon...

Our honeymoon first began at a sweet condo in downtown Salt Lake. We stayed there Saturday and Sunday nights, and that Sunday was one of my favorites of the honeymoon! We were able to sleep in until late, then make pancakes and eggs for breakfast, watch movies, take naps, make pizza for dinner, and enjoy each other's company as husband and wife. Here are some of the pics of the condo.

Then early Monday morning (and I mean early... 3:30 AM), we rolled out of bed to get to the airport to head to CANCUN, MEXICO! We stayed at an all-inclusive resort down there and it was the perfect place for us. If there is anything Skyler loves more than food it's all-you-can-eat buffet food, and that's what we got the whole time. My personal favorite was the coconut ice cream--I averaged probably 2-3 cones a day. SOOO good. Sky just got the normal neopolotin every time (he always goes for a classic flavor of anything and I always get something more unusual) until I introduced him (or made him) try the coconut. He loved it and got it every time since! Haha.

Okay so other than stuffing ourselves full of mexican food and ice cream everyday, we were able to lay out by the pool, kayak in the ocean, relax under our private cabana that came with our honeymoon suite, and go snorkeling on the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world! It was awesome. I loved being able to be alone with my sweet husband--spending time together without a care in the world :)

Skyler fire dancing. (haha joke!)

mmmmmm.... :) 

Heading to lunch and then the airport for home!

So we may have gotten to our honeymoon destination without a hitch, but coming home was a different story. We had a short, one hour layover in Dallas that ended up being about a 4-5 hour layover because of a fuel leak on the plane. So we just killed time at the airport, eatin' Dickie's BBQ, watching the NBA finals updates on our phones (ya Heat!), and sleeping on the floor. We finally got home at 4:00 in the morning! But other than that little mishap, the honeymoon was perfect, and I loved spending every minute with my cute new husband.


Well... now that the wedding is over, the reception/open house have come and gone (watch for a post about our open house weekend in California), and we are back from the honeymoon, we are now just living life as an old married couple. Haha, we like to refer to ourselves as that jokingly. Life is busy--full of work, football, and family vacations. But we wouldn't have it any other way. It's been an awesome first month of marriage, and our pillow talk is frequently about how blessed we are. We have two beyond amazing families who love and support us, including but not limited to (ha): 2 sets of parents who have taught us how to love and how to live life wisely, and 10 siblings who have always been there for us and who we consider our best friends. And on top of this we both have always been blessed with loyal and true friends who have helped us become who we are today... we love them and couldn't be more grateful for the lasting impact they've had on our lives.

Well... I believe that is it for our first blog post ever! And Sky actually helped me write a little bit of it! Haha. Hope that the small handful of people who ever see/read this enjoyed it.

Over 'n' out.