Christmas and the Saints

I was one of the lucky ones who got to go to the Saints playoff game against the Eagles. The catch was that I had to sit with my mom. She is actually pretty cool to sit with. She knows a good bit about the game and will voice her opinion when she feels the need. It was a very enjoyable evening. But you can tell that 40 years of losing takes a toll on a person. The Saints were leading by 7 with about 9 minutes left in the 4th and the Eagles were driving. Our seats were in the upperdeck in the endzone. the Eagles had the ball third and one at the 5 yard line. Everyone in the dome is standing and screaming in support of the defense. I turned to my left only to see my mom sitting down watching the game on the jumbo screen. I asked what she was doing and she said she didn't want to see the Eagles score. "This is the playoffs woman, get up and support your team" was my reply. she did and Scott Fujita made a great stop forcing the Eagles to kick a feild goal. As we all know the saints won the game. Maybe it was that one extra voice. Everyone down here in the New Orleans area is buzzing about our boys, even Sadie is showing her spirit.

We went to Oklahoma for a couple days after Christmas to see my Dad, Janet, Stephanie "Q", and Poppy. It was fun. Tulsa may not be Vegas or any thing but it is a nice town-and clean. We were there during a warm spell between two blizzards. we only had to wear coats one day. Its a long drive and was Sadies first experience with long distance travel-11 hours. Prior to this her long was only an hour and a half. She did great. She only got fidgety when were delayed by a wreck outside of Norman Ok. I think they flipped over the "Sooner Schooner" and it took some "Cowboys" (OU/OSU joke) to get it rolling again. Every one was doing well. Dad and Janet took a liking to Sadie, they were probably sadder to see her go than Kristi and I. My dad (57) even got down on the floor to play with her. I had to take a picture because i am not even sure if there is a picture of him playing on the floor with one of his kids (kidding).

What I have learned over the last few weeks is two things.
1. There is nothing as important as family. Even if you don't see them or talk to them as often as you should, they are still a part of you. Love them, tell them you love them,show them you love them. try to see them more and be a part of each others lives. This goes for parents, siblings, children, grandparents, cousins, aunts& uncles, steps, halves, in-laws and outlaws. and with all of that said.........

2. All you can do is be you and do what you can with what you have. You can't make other people do anything or feel a certain way. you can't please everyone.