It is just before game time. This time last week, I was standing on the sidelines in Notre Dame Stadium on the field with my husband and sister. My husband wanted to come – My sister needed to come. Jamie wanted to come to share in this rare opportunity. Mary Frances was my personal paparazzi for the weekend – she needed to come to document such an exciting event in my life (as she did all weekend – check out the PHOTO section, she’s really good!)
Three days before the game, I was asked to take part in the American Flag presentation before the game. If you have seen this done at Notre Dame, you know it is an emotional experience. Being asked to participate was moving beyond words.

If there are two things I love – besides my family – it is Notre Dame and my country. I am a true patriot. Just like Barbara Mandrell was “country when country wasn’t cool” – I was a patriot before it became popular to be so. We live in the greatest country in the world.

To have these two “loves” combined – was thrilling. Listening to the crowd cheer as my name was announced, and then walking across the field to help present the American flag to the Irish Guard, while listening to the words of the Declaration of Independence, was awesome. As the flag was raised and the National Anthem played, I was very emotional. And very honored.

Notre Dame tends to bring out the emotional side in me. I was thankful to spend the evening catching up with old and dear friends, new friends and my family. What could be better? Perhaps great photographs to remember the day.