I don't know if my heart could beat outside of my chest anymore than it did that night. 
    Our two oldest boys prepared for the ball, starting first with learning how to put on a cumberbun and cufflinks, then ending with two very unfamiliar shiny, stiff shoes.
    The entire concept was new to all of us.  Being from the north, I'd never even heard of Cotillion.  A sweet friend I adore in North Carolina convinced me to have the boys participate, but I wondered how it would all turn out.
    Climbing in the car, the mood was quiet.  Mixed emotions of nervousness, excitement and hesitation were overwhelmingly apparent.
    As to be expected, any pre-teen boy would less than jump at the chance to participate in such an event, but nonetheless, months of classes, practice and instruction had culminated to this one single evening. 
    With raised eyebrows, the boys turned to us as they entered the ballroom.  It was impossible not to pause at the decadence of chandeliers, met with even more beautiful white gowns and gloves.
    Awkward glances between boys and girls were instantly met with pointed toes kicking the floor...until the music began.  
    Suddenly, the rest of the world seemed to disappear and my two boys, became young men, poised and strong. 
    My pulse quickened as tears began to swell, knowing this night would be a memory I'd always hold dear.  Seeing them as gentlemen, treating the girls with grace and respect, would be a picture I'd take with my heart...and keep inside forever.  

    For months now, our daughter has begged for a kitten for her birthday.  We've gone through the whole, puppy, hamster kick, so I guess a kitten was only natural.
    Now, the puppy turned out to be the best decision we've made.  Our family dog just turned two - and couldn't be a better love.  
    The hamster?  Let's just say, I swear that thing will never die.  Like, ever.
    So, when it came to the idea of a kitten, two opposing images came to mind.  The first, of a cute fluffy bundle of fur, purring lovingly in the nook of our children's necks, while the second?  The second conjured terrors of clawed and bloody arms with screaming kids running, as the wild beast climbed and shredded its way to hang at the top of curtains, hissing. 
     No cat. 
     Lauren Elizabeth's 7th birthday was yesterday, and when asked, "What's the one thing you want more than anything in the world?" Of course, you knew her answer.
     Adam and I exchanged glances, knowing the furthest thing she was getting was a cat...but then this happened.  I'm not even kidding.
     "A CAT!  A CAT!  A CAT FOR MY BIRTHDAY!!!  I LOVE YOU!  THANK YOU!!!"
     Of all the years we've lived in this house, of the countless mornings, noons and nights we've played in our yard, the one and ONLY time some random cat decides to come to the back of our house, was literally, the morning of her birthday...  

     I would've thought she was kidding, if her screaming wasn't so wild.  All of us ran to the back, and sure enough, she was right.  This cold little cat sat meowing at us, then purred when we scratched behind its ears.
    "Don't even think about it", Adam immediately clarified as the rest of us fawned over the helpless wanderer.
    Sending texts to neighbors, I couldn't help but melt as the kids decided on a name.
    "Not in this house," that's it's name, Adam growled.
    The kids and I went in to get a bowl of water and open a can of tuna for the house guest, as my phone buzzed back, saying the cat belonged to a neighbor a few doors down.  Her name was, Rose.  The cat, not the neighbor.
     With a heavy heart, the kids said their goodbyes to Rose, as they lovingly played with her while she finished her breakfast.
     I don't know if I'll ever understand the timing or sense of humor that God must have to make such things happen, but at least I know for one day, on one little girl's birthday, He gave her a gift, even one I never thought possible.   

     Growing up in the north, I sometimes wondered if things were really that different in the south.  Watching TV shows or movies like 'Steel Magnolias', always made me think about what it might be like.
     Upon moving down, I learned it really was a whole different world. I can honestly say however, I never thought about what it'd be like to raise kids below the Mason Dixon line.  
     Sweet tea and hot summer days turned into impromptu trips to the beach and nights filled with chasing fireflies.
     Quickly, we learned about shagging, (Toooootally different meaning...trust me...you have to look it up) ginormo hair bows, smocked dresses, seersucker, bowties and yes, Cotillion.
     What is Cotillion you might ask?  I had no idea either - and when I found out - I couldn't believe anything like it actually still existed, but it does and it's beyond imagination.
     Boys and girls around the age of 10, can begin what's called, "Junior Cotillion".  Classes are given on manners, etiquette, social skills...and to every boy's demise...formal dancing.
     You can imagine the horror when we signed Christian and Ethan up last year.  One of my favorite Carolina Moms ever convinced me to put them in the class, stating it was one of her favorite memories from childhood.  Ever.
     The boys have completed the courses.  Begrudgingly, they've endured class after class, dance lesson after table manners session, only to have it all come down to this...the ball.
     Yes, I'm not even kidding, there's an actual grand ball.  I don't know whether to die or actually love the whole dog and pony show of it all, but regardless, it's this weekend.
     Christian and Ethan have been fitted for tuxedos... 

       Their "Yes, Ma'am's" and "No Sir's" are on point, and I can't begin to imagine what the whole experience is going to be like.  From what I hear, the girls have beautiful white dresses and it's all quite an event. 
       Even though they'd never admit it to any. living. human. being. for their entire lives, I think the boys might actually be a tiny bit excited about it.  More excited that Cotillion is almost over, granted, but excited, nonetheless.
      Yes, from being a northern girl, to having southern boys...I sure can't wait to see how it all turns out. 

    Upon finally giving birth to a baby girl after having one, two, then three boys in a row, the doctor in the delivery room thought I was kidding when I asked if I could paint her tiny toenails.  One of the nurses smiled at me before her eyes widened, "My word, I think she's serious."
    I was.
    I couldn't get enough pink, sparkly, foofy things onto that child, so you can imagine my heart when she proclaimed it was time she wanted to get her ears pierced.
    That was a couple of years ago, when she was maybe five years old.  I couldn't take her to have them pierced quickly enough...until my mom came into the picture.
    I don't know if it's a generational thing, or just my mom, but the idea of getting my little girl's ears pierced at that age, sent mom through the roof.
    She wouldn't let me get my ears pierced until my 13th birthday, which drove me absolutely mad.
    I wasn't about to wait that long for Lauren.
    Round and round I went with my mom about my daughter's ears, until we finally agreed that a couple of more years wouldn't hurt anyone.
    That time has come.  Lauren Elizabeth turns seven this Saturday and again, for her birthday, she asked to get her ears pierced. 
    With a happy heart, we all went together, only to enter the place where an adorable little girl was already getting hers done.  The little one couldn't have been three or four years old, but that sweet girl sat straight up in her chair like a champ, while two employees counted, "One, two, three," 
    (bam) 
    The precious child just about jumped out of her skin.  A strange look of horror crossed her face, mixed with a healthy dose of wanting to kick both of her assailants as swiftly as possible.
     Turning to our daughter, who was in my husband's arms, the two of them looked like this...     

    Our daughter was freaking out.  Reaching to take her from his arms, I wanted to explain how everything would be okay.  This became as effective as holding a cat over water, as she clung to him for all dear life.
    Oh, and one more thing I hadn't planned on?  The fact that my husband had never seen anyone get their ears pierced. 
    He's wrapped around her little finger on a good day, but the thought of that happening to his baby girl, was enough for him to instantly give me that "We're leaving," look.
    So, as poorly as the whole 'ear piercing' experience could've gone, it most definitely did.  
     No pierced ears this year, or probably any year to come.  Mom is thoroughly happy and after the overall fabulous experience we ended up having, I honestly think my husband is, too.     

    I haven't blogged in a little.  Quite a lot has been going on and I'll probably get into it later, but for now, I wanted to give a big Thank You to the best kind of friends.  The Un-Facebook friends.
     The friends that are there in life, through experiences that aren't tagged or posted on social media.
      Is social media great?  Of course.  I wouldn't be writing a blog, otherwise.  There's nothing better than to see friends and family enjoying their time, loved ones and experiences on instagram or Facebook, etc.  Who doesn't love to post vacation pictures or experiences while they're happening.  Baby's first steps, puppies coming home, the best meal, EVER...what a wonderful way to share your life with those you love. 
     But the Un-Facebook friends, the Un-Facebook moments...the times when you're with the people who make you laugh so hard you can't finish your ice cream, or when you're driving somewhere together and become so lost, you give up following directions...those are my favorite.
     They're the loved ones and experiences that happen when you're so caught up in the moment, the last thing you think about, is whether to add a caption to your post.
     My best friend from college, flew down from home in Ohio and it wasn't until we took her back to the airport, when we realized we hadn't taken a photo.  Not one. 
     Time goes too quickly when you're with the ones you love.  It's fabulous to document those moments and share them with the world, but something even more magical happens, when you're having so much fun, that you forget.    

    Thank you, Luke Kuechly.  As a Linebacker for the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl, you handled yourself with class.
     Thank you for being an example to our kids this year, of not only how you should act in life when you win a game, but also, how to act when you lose.
     Thank you for going to the press conference after that loss of the biggest game in your life, with respect for your team, your coaches, your fans, the opponent, the game, and yourself. 
      It's fun to win.  It's great to celebrate and cheer.  The true character comes through, however, when times are tough.  Nobody wants to put on a shirt and tie, face the music and hold their head up, but that's just what you did.
     The example you showed our kids, those who dream of being like you one day...to the eight year old who wears your jersey, chooses your name during back yard pick up games...was an example to be proud of. 
     You've provided an excellent opportunity for them to learn how to handle a loss, without being rude or disrespectful.  In your own words, "It's going to sting and it needs to sting.  In order to learn from it, you have to let it sting".
     You were filled with nothing but class to the people who root you on, and again, we thank you for that. 
     Keep Pounding.       

    Super Bowl Sunday can rival Thanksgiving day in the food department around our house.  In a family filled with sports nuts, the biggest game day of the year usually results in a marathon of horribly-bad-for-you, wonderfully delicious foods. 
     Some of our favorites include: Buffalo wings, buffalo chicken dip, mozzarella sticks, homemade pizza and potato skins.
      Here are the recipes...
                      Buffalo Wings
5 pounds chicken wings
1 cup hot sauce (we like Frank's Red Hot)
2/3 cup melted butter
oil
Heat oil in deep fryer or deep pot until approximately 375* (when the handle/back of a wooden spoon bubbles when you put it in, then it's ready)
Add batches of wings in hot oil for approximately 10-15 minutes then remove.  (Check the inside for pinkness)
Combine hot sauce and melted butter in large bowl, add wings to bowl.  Cover wings with sauce and serve with ranch or bleu cheese dressing and celery. 

                   Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (for convenience, there is canned chicken usually around the tuna fish section)
1 (8 ounce package) cream cheese
1/2 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
1/2 cup crumbled bleu cheese or your favorite cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350*
Combine all ingredients and place in shallow 1 quart baking dish.
Bake 20 minutes and serve with Pita Chips.

                 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
2 (16 ounce) blocks of Mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
1 1/2 cups Italian bread crumbs
1 1/3 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
oil
Marinara Sauce

Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and salt in bowl.  In another bowl, stir eggs.
Cut cheese into sticks, dip sticks into eggs, then coat with bread crumb mix.
Place breaded sticks on baking sheet, cover and freeze at least one hour.
Heat oil over medium heat.
Working in batches, fry the cheese until golden brown.
Serve with Marinara sauce.

                    Homemade Pizza
2 packets (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons coarse salt
Pizza sauce
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Toppings of choice
4 cups all-purpose flour

Pour 1 1/2 cups warm water into large bowl, sprinkle with yeast, then let stand approximately 5 minutes.
Mix sugar, oil and salt into water/yeast mixture.
Add flour and stir until dough forms.
Oil another bowl and transfer dough, brushing top of dough with additional oil.  Cover with plastic wrap and wait an hour until dough has doubled in size.
Place dough on floured surface and knead one to two times.
Stretch to fit pizza stone or on parchment paper/baking sheet.
Cover with pizza sauce and desired toppings (black olives, pepperoni, sautéed onions, mushrooms, green peppers, etc.) 
In a 500* oven, place pizza in for approximately 12 minutes.

                      Potato Skins
Potatoes
Oil
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Bacon
Sour Cream
Chives
Salt
Wash and pierce potatoes, then bake in 400* oven for approximately one hour, or until tender inside.
Cool to handle
Fry bacon and crumble when cooled.
Slice potatoes in half, lengthwise, then scoop inside of potato out, letting some remain. 
Heat oil in large pot or deep fryer, fry skins in batches.
On lined baking sheet, arrange skins, filling inside with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
Set oven to broil, then place inside oven for approximately 4-5 minutes.
Sprinkle salt, sour cream and chives to taste.
Enjoy!  XO
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    There's nothing quite like having a Daddy's Little Girl.  There's also nothing like having a frame of reference when that same girl talks about going to the bar with some of her girlfriends.
    I was lucky enough to have that frame of reference, my husband?  Not so much.
    Our six year old daughter came home from school yesterday with this, as her winter writing project...

    At first glance, it's a cute project, but if you read closely, you'll find she writes about three girl snowmen with glitter hats and diamond scarves, meeting a cute boy who takes them to the bar.
    This conjures an image I can imagine no father would care to entertain.
    Upon reading her work, different levels of disbelief, concern, anger, fear...all began to well deep inside.
    "What does this mean?  Why would she write this?  HOW would she even know to write this?" Were Adam's first words.  There were no alternative meanings he could gather, other than the obvious...and it was terrifying.
     Now, the beauty of taking your daughter to gymnastics every week, would allow you to understand the meaning, at first read.  Our youngest son, Preston went to a boy's class last week, too, who, oh by the way, I call, "Cute Boy".
     Lauren Elizabeth's instructor told the girls last week how exciting it would be next class to start working on the bars.  Lauren and her girlfriends were giddy, and the whole car ride home, she talked of nothing else. 
     Fast forward one week later and her writing project happens to be on the same day as gymnastics.  Naturally, her six year old little mind would write about sparkly snowgirls (glitter and diamonds) while her brother, 'Cute Boy' would show them the "bar" which he got to do last week. 
     Obviously.
     I can't say it wasn't a little fun to listen to my husband squirm for a minute or so.  I am somewhat nervous for the future with his overprotective reaction, however.  He was this close to a complete lockdown for our first grader.
     Speaking of first grade, I'll be patiently awaiting a phone call from the school.  After all, there's nothing quite like a bar hopping group of sparkly six year olds, running with cute boys to raise some genuine concern.  
     With that being said, thank God they don't have poles in gymnastics. 
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    If you've seen the 1993 film, "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray, you'll know where I'm going with this.
    The movie follows Murray's character as he relives Groundhog Day over and over until he gets everything right.  Arguments, rudeness, a litany of incidences must be rectified and altered until he finally has that One. Perfect. Day.
     I sometimes wonder how many days it would take for that to happen.  How many do-overs would I need for perfection?  I figure there aren't enough days on this earth.
     Whether it's running crazy in the mornings or stumbling out of bed at 11:00 at night, because I forgot to let the dog out.  Perfection seems to be an unattainable feat.
     I have some friends who seem to have it all together, though.  You know, the kind that can leisurely go after a work- out to have coffee together with their fingers laced through the mug's handle.  I don't even drink coffee...or work out.
     They seem to have the perfect days with their perfect lives while the rest of us throw our hair up and go like mad.
      Maybe someday I'll attain that one true Groundhog Day of perfection, but I doubt it.  For now, it looks like the crazy life of mishaps and survival mode will prevail, Foreeeeeeever. 
                 Happy Groundhog Day!  XO  

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     When you get a dog, you'll find your heart beginning to grow for the furry love with all they bring...

   ...sure, as they get older, they may chew through your walls...

                    ...your furniture...

                  ...your rugs and pillows...

    ...but they'll also keep and protect your family with passion, 

  Never leaving their side, even during Superhero missions involving high flying danger with laser beam eyes.

  ...all while being patient as those same Superheroes practice for their day jobs...as Paul Mitchell employees of the month.  

   Yes, when you get a dog, they're not only a family pet, they become a family member.  
   Here's to our furriest, friendly and deeply full of love, Lilly.   
       Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet Girl.  We Love You. 

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