The best laid plans of mice and men...........

.....often go astray!

That happens to be one of my Dad's favorite and often used quotes of all time. Tonight..it was my turn to use it!



Before dinner, Big Daddy and Xbox were carrying on about who was gonna take the tickets to the Wake vs. Duke game on Saturday afternoon. It turned into a playful tussle.......with Big Daddy telling Xbox that he was taking me....and Ryan begging to go. They were wrestling around.....and talking about who was going with who....making big plans. You see....even as bad as Wake is this year....they are still big Wake fans. So yes...they are true fans...even in the lean years. I'm still struggling with the thoughts of how much the season tickets were.....even though Big Daddy knew it would be a bad year. He just wants us to be able keep the seats that we've worked up to get over the past 10 years.....for when we have an empty nest and have time to enjoy the games when it's just him....and me. As they were 'arguing' about who was going to the game....Xbox's school mom (one of my truest friends who works at the school) called to tell me that their game scheduled for Friday night had been moved until ....you guessed it..... Saturday afternoon.

Xbox was not happy about missing the game...and just said... 'noooooooooooo'. Big Daddy said...that's ok...I have a better game to watch now. Spoken like a true Xbox fan! :)

Big Daddy pipes up 'I guess I can sell these tickets' to which I replied....To WHO...no Wake fan will pay money to see that slaughter. He said...well maybe plenty of Dukies would like to buy them. This might be the first time the Joel is packed with more Duke fans than Wake fans.

Best laid plans of Xbox and Big Daddy often go astray!

I love THIS kid

Can you find him? Look closely. He's the 8th from the left.........

Now that you counted....it might have been easier saying 4th from the right....but he's sooo worth the extra work!

THIS kid has a great outlook on life, family, friends and FOOD (and lots of it). He is also a Jesus Freak like 2Shaye! She got him hooked up w/ Younglife. And to think of it...Wormie turned 2Shaye onto Younglife...so it really is a handed-down kind of love.

THIS kid....has the greatest friends of all time. Seriously...they have been very close for so many years. The sad part....for THIS kid.... they are all seniors...and he's a junior...so they will all leave him this fall as they take off for college. Most of them are going to NCSU..... and with 2Shaye there...Im thinking my house will be very empty on the weekends in the coming year as he spends time with them. His friends are unbelievably supportive of each other. They are each other's biggest fans. And when they arent playing sports...they are there being the BEST student section that the Cardinals have EVER had! They go all out in find garb to match their personalities. It was this group ..... that create and gave life to 'The Red Men'.

These are the original Red Men. They all bought these spiritsuits before a Younglife Camp and instantly became legendary. Many have tried to imitiate them but they will never be duplicated. Seen here with a Teacher. They are typically at all sporting events for the ones not playing. They run out the football teams...they show up at basketball games...have been asked to go to the Middle School.....they are loved by all that know them. They are famous!

This happens to be one of my favorite pix of all time. The Red Men are so far in the distance but they stand out to the point of almost glowing.

Only their personalities could pull off this look! Big Daddy didn't even recognize Xbox dressed like this.

The best part of tonight..... these boys will be making landfall into our home again. I love them all! They know how to have fun.....and enjoy the best things in life. They typically spend one night a week together.....making memories that will forever be burned into their memories. Our home is always happy when it's our turn to host 'the gang'! They know what true friendship means.....and will always be brothers to each other.

A challenge....and I accepted!

Inspired by Nonny..... I will do my best to accept this challenge. 52 letters in 52 weeks. I have several people in my life that would love to get a piece of real mail....and for some....it would make their week. I will do my best to keep this up. Thanks Nonny for being an inspiration.

On a cold winter's evening...........

Nothing says home....like a comforting, rustic meal. Big Daddy offered to cook up one of his favorites over the fire.....Loaded hotdogs!

Stretch it out....

Easy killer...at least make it look like work! AND can you get that recliner any closer to the fire..somehow the fire marshall's would not be happy with this. Kids do not try this at home. Only professionals should attempt this.

And I fixed a pound cake in a funky little bundt pan.... PS thanks to a dear friend, Ms. A, who fixed us a pound cake for Christmas and now has Big Daddy on a pound cake kick.

My heart feels warm today

Most days....my family makes a point of making me feel special. But today....I got it that feeling from them all.....in one single day.

First-Big Daddy offered to take me to work since the roads could be iffy with the weather. I declined but he called me when he got to 52 to give me a spot by spot ice report. He told me to call him after I got to work to make sure I was there safely. He called me before I had a chance to let him know I was there.

Second - I get this txt msg from 2Shaye "Hey momma. As i dreadly fold my clothes...I cant stop thinking about missing ya'll. I dont wanna go back. I could live here forever and in time I will. I love you so much! You're the best momma in the world. :) Im thankful for you. I love you!!!" Seriously....has there ever been a sweeter text msg? I say not! She is getting ready to head back to Raleigh in a few hours....to start semester #4 at NCSU.

Third - Wormie posts a super sweet blog about the Cast and Crew. Honestly....this made me smile....BIG! Even Big Daddy loved it.

Fourth - Xbox Junkie walks in the house from a basketball game...comes straight to me....give me a huge hug....and says 'Hello Beautiful'.

Today.....has been a good day!

Can't say it any sweeter than this!

Thru a Sister's eyes.....

Today is HER birthday!

Happy Birthday to my 20 year old! I will post more later....but with work and ballgames gallore today....It will be a late post and I didnt want her to feel neglected! I love you!