Gertie, Like Dirty, but with a G

Gertie is our newest family member.  She's a young adult basset hound.  The vet guesses she's about 4 years old.  She loves to be with people, sleep and eat.  She's kinda stinky, but very sweet.  I think Coker is even starting to like her.  It took a few tries to get a good picture...

 Ugh! She licked me!

 Close…

 There it is! (or the best I'll get)

When I told an older lady her name, the lady gave me a confused look and said, "Dirty?"  Also, she's stinky and sheds hair all over, so it fits.

Spring Cleaning: Neighbor Competition?

On Saturday, Coker suggested we clear the leaves out of the backyard.  TJ and I helped (Paul spent the day with a friend).  We worked hard and the backyard looks much better.  TJ carried the bags to the curb.  I'm proud of our work!

Then, I looked across the street and saw what our neighbor, Pedro had done.  Hmm, no one in my house is that neat.  I know when I've been bested, but I'm still proud of what we accomplished.

TJ's Birthday!

Wow, how did February show up so quickly?  I'd better write about TJ's birthday!

Last fall, at the Mavericks game, TJ decided it was SO MUCH FUN he wanted to go to a game for his birthday.  That's what we did.  I bought tickets for the four of us, plus two for friends.  TJ invited one friend and gave the other ticket to Paul so he could invite a friend.  What a great little brother!

The boys had a great time.  Coker tried to convince them to high five the Mavs Dancers in the concourse.  The two 9-year-olds wouldn't dream of it, and the girls were gone by the time he got the 7-year-olds out there.  Paul's friend, Alec even covered his face during the dancers' performance.

As a part of the package, we got t-shirts, bracelets and hot dog vouchers.  Everyone got a deck of cards, which I held to give the boys when we dropped them off.  Once home, Coker opened them to find they have the dancers on them.  I quickly texted the other moms and apologized.  I'm not sure where Paul's deck of cards went…

We met with Amina, Papaw, Robin, Stuart and the Fairlys for a dinner at Grimaldi's the following night.  Thanks to Robin and Stuart, I know that Grimaldi's pizza is excellent with only veggies and no cheese.   I knew it was good, but that's amazing!

Before the game: Parker, Alec, Paul and TJ

Paul attempts to stuff ALL his cotton candy into his mouth at once

TJ and his bestie, Parker

Sword fighting, what else would you do at a basketball game?

Playing outside

Gift time!

How many versions will Skylanders manage to produce before the game is "old"?

Christmas 2013

Santa brought Hanukkah coins this year.  I don't know that Santa knew what to do with them, but TJ did.  Parents hide them and leave a clue, then the kids search.  I didn't research that, but it sounds good and the boys had fun.  Of course, TJ also said the Star of David on them was to lead them to Jesus.  Hmm.  Maybe he's getting things a bit mixed up.  Paul has found one.

The boys both purchased presents for family at Holiday Shop at school.  When I came home the day Paul went to Holiday Shop, he had wrapped all his gifts and placed them under the tree.  Those were the first ones under the tree this year.  Way to go, Paul!  He was very happy to give those gifts.  Here's the mug for Amina.

Here's the basketball for Coker.  He's spinning it because that's what one immediately does with a ball.

The boys gave me sunglasses from Tiffany!

Amina gave the boys Kindles.  They were both very happy.

Aunt Janice sent boxes of treats.  Coker loves the Alaska jellies and chocolates!  Paul is holding a puzzle.

TJ also bought presents for everyone at Holiday Shop.  Coker got clips and a tool.

Mom and the boys

Dad and the boys

Merry Christmas!

Paul's Accent

The parking garage automated ticket taker had British accent.  I wondered why.  In his best approximation, Paul said, "I'm British.  Good'ay mate!"

The Christmas Checklist

Our church's Christmas pageant this year was "The Christmas Checklist."  Paul was a shepherd and TJ was Wiseman #6.  Yes, #6.  They had classic Biblical lines, such as:

"Does everyone have a pillow?"

 "Chocolate stars to consume on the journey!"

The wisemen sang O Come All Ye Faithful.  I had to explain to TJ what 'ye' means.

The wise men had a dance party before the show. 

Joy to the World! 

 Smirking together

Ok, I'll stop taking pictures now!

Merry Christmas! 

Merry Christmas from the Family