Our Family Snowglobe

For a belly full of laughs, click on this link to see our Family Snowglobe...too much fun!

http://snowglobe.community.abcfamily.go.com/index.php/share-receiver?request=globe&id=1261450992-5AHB-0IBF-4B3036F159D5F-6905

What I learned from a friend!

I got this in an email from my friend Christa and I thought it was very interesting. I didn't know this and I thought I would share it with all of you! Merry Christmas!

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments..
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love..
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Football picutures we forgot to post!

I told you we were so far behind! Here are some action shots of our future Heismann trophy winner. They had a great year and won their very first game ever in the history of the 3rd and 4th grade team at Hope Church! They also ended up winning their bowl game-- well, the other team forfeited! Some of the pictures are also from Nicholas and other Cross Check (the league he plays in) All American players being recognized at a UofM game! Notice the pictures of Nicholas on the ladder in front of the band. Dr Nguyen had him stand up there when he got off of the field and the entire band cheered for him! So Fun!!

Becca Came HOME!!

We were all so excited that Becca came home for Thanksgiving! We got to hang out with her and Aaron on Saturday of that weekend! Here is a picture of Becca, Aaron and Caroline! We sure miss her being here!

Catching up!

We are so behind with our blogging! I will keep my comments brief and try to post as much as possible.

Here is a picture of Caroline's 2nd class project of the year. Over fall break she had to pick a book to do a book report on (her first book report!) and then had to decorate a pumpkin to look like her main character! She picked Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse and here is a picture of her Lilly!

Throwed Rolls...The Way Home, Part II

After our stop in Springfield to become acquainted with one of the greatest persons in human history, we continued our long journey home. We had tried to eat at a very famous place several times before: I had stopped there at least three times with a bus full of pep band and spirit squad members, only to be met with a hour+ wait. Our family had stopped there at least once (it was on our way to Chicago on that Friday), and were faced with a 45 minute wait. When you're on a road trip roll, 45 minutes waiting for a table may as well be an overnight stop. Men, shout out if you're with me!

But on Tuesday night, at about 7:00 PM CST, we finally made it...LAMBERT'S CAFE! HOME OF THE THROWED ROLLS! (and yes, that's how we spell it...)

If you've never heard of this place, you're missing out. Lambert's is a home-cooking family style restaurant. You order an entree and a side or two, and it's amazing. Definitely not on Bob & Jillian's list of what to eat, but super fine on your buds. It's world renowned for their THROWED ROLLS, and they really are! Waiters/Waitresses would stand on the sides of the large dining room with baskets of big, hot yeast rolls, was watchmen & watch-women alert for any sign of hunger. All you had to do was get their attention (either a head nod, a hand raised, or a hungry look accompanied with a grin), and a roll was promptly (and quite accurately) THROWED at your head. If you've never been at Jacque's table for Thanksgiving, you just don't know. My brother Martin was the master of this...ask for the rolls, and one was one the way...quick. Ask for some mashed potatoes and some were...you get the picture. It was tremendous to eat and absolutely fun to catch. Nicholas had to be curtailed...he kept asking for rolls, even though he wasn't eating them. Catching rolls to eat is just too cool...

Here are some shots of the kids playing on the creations in front of the World Famous Lambert's Cafe...HOME OF THE THROWED ROLLS!

Now that's football!

We've had these pictures for a while, and just haven't gotten them uploaded for your viewing pleasure! On October 15th, Nicholas' Hope Tigers football team had a game. It has been a VERY rainy autumn here in Memphis, and this week was certainly no exception. I've always heard football players talk about the game of football really being great when it was played in the rain and mud. I fondly remember pickup football games growing up (and at ECU) when it was rainy and muddy. It must be one of those "boy" things that stands the test of time... (note Sasquatch running by in the background!)


This is Nicholas and partner-in-crime Matthew (the biggest hitter on the team) showing off their physiques after the game. We lost this one, but boy they had fun!

Honest Abe...The Way Home, Part I

Driving to Chicago, we passed through Springfield Illinois, which is steeped in American history (specifically with regards to Abraham Lincoln). On the way home, we stopped at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the experience was truly amazing. Neither Karen or I had ever been to a Presidential Library or Museum, so we jumped on the chance. Nicholas & Caroline weren't so motivated, but humored us nonetheless...

I've always wondered what it must have been like for Lincoln, as our president in perhaps the most difficult era in our history...truly the fate of a nation rested on his shoulders. What I never realized was that Lincoln was essentially hated by both sides...even his historic Emancipation Proclamation (which was intend to abolish slavery) was refuted by Abolitionists because it didn't free anyone at the time (only those who were enslaved in Confederate States, over which he had no power or jurisdiction). And yet, because of Lincoln's strength, our country survived that dreadful period. I wonder what he would think about our country today...

Chi-Town, Our Kind of Town! Part III

And on the 3rd day, we had MORE AWESOME FUN in the Chicagoland area!

We kicked the day off with a visit to Lego-Land in Schaumburg, which was Nicholas' special treat. He had saved up to buy the Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser, and of course, Lego Land was all out of them. Not to worry; we hit a nearby Target, and he bought it there on sale. Score for Nicholas! Lego Land had some amazing things, including a model of the downtown strip of Chicago, many jungle animals (including awful spiders), Darth Vader, R-2, Harry Potter, Hagrid, Indiana Jones, and much more! Here's a slideshow of our exploits in Lego Land!

Then, Monday night, my special treat was to see my favorite NBA team, the Chicago Bulls, in person for the very first time! I've been a Bulls fan since 1985, when they drafted Michael Jordan (because he's a Tarheel...duh...). I have old t-shirts with Bulls Championship stuff from their dynasty years, and all the times I've been to Chicago, I've never seen them play. We went especially to see Derrick Rose player (former Memphis Tiger, now with the Bulls), but he was out with a sprained ankle. Still, it was awesome to see the house that Jordan built! Here's a slideshow of my memorable night with the Bulls.

Chi-Town, Our Kind of Town! Part II

But wait! There's more!

Sunday was a day of rest for us, and we spent the morning visiting Tom and Carole's church, Parkview Fellowship in one of the 'burbs, which was a sweet place to be with other believers! The kids absolutely loved the children's ministry there.

Sunday afternoon, we hung out around the house, and played some football in the yard-Nicholas & I against Tom & Carole...they wore us out! Their house is absolutely beautiful, and we were so blessed to stay in such a wonderful place!

This is the upstairs master bedroom, overlooking the backyard...














Every ceiling had its' own special decor; this is the foyer upstairs leading to the guest rooms.














This is a view from the upstairs open loft area, overlooking the living room.














This is another view from the loft, looking into the breakfast dining area, and the kitchen.














This is Karen's dream kitchen (which also happens to be in Tom & Carole's house). That's also her great-looking dream husband, and her beautiful dream children...














Sunday night was perhaps the coolest of all...THE BLUE MAN GROUP performing in Chicago! We had seats on the 3rd row...so close they made us put on ponchos to protect us from flying objects (namely, banana pudding)...AMAZING! Perhaps the funniest part of all was after the show when Nicholas & Caroline said, "Why didn't they ever smile? It would've been more funny that way." I almost choked on my intestines laughing so hard...

Chi-Town, Our Kind of Town! Part I

The Holland Clan managed to eek out some funds to have a fun getaway to Chicago over our Fall Break - it was actually the first fall break (& Karen's birthday weekend) that I've ever had off from football, school, or otherwise. PLUS, one of Karen's best friends, Carole Kenney, had moved back stateside from years in the mission field in Austria and China, and is in the Chicagoland area. So, we loaded up the bus (er um...van) and drove to Chicago for several days!

We christened our first evening there with some Chicago-style pizza at Giardino's...wow...that was awesome...

On our first full day, we parked at Navy Pier and trolleyed & trekked our way to the American Girl Doll store, where we promptly were relieved of a great deal of savings! The children had been doing odd jobs around the house to earn extra money, and we also boosted their piggy banks when we arrived. Caroline got a doll, some outfits for her, and took her Mia doll for a special hairdo and the Doll Salon there at the store. My goodness...

We then sought out some lunch, and settled on a food court in a shopping area...I know, lame! Karen actually wanted to eat the ESPN-Zone, but the wait was 45 minutes, and I didn't think she wanted to wait that long. Silly me! We passed by this crazy dude, who was actually very entertaining while searching for food...
After our food court Chicago hot dogs, Chinese, and whatever else, we found a special cupcake bakery that Karen had read about on some blogs. We celebrated her special day with birthday cupcakes from "More", and it was one of the most amazing cupcakes I've ever eaten. I had a pumpkin spice cupcake, and Karen had a salted caramel cupcake. It made my toes wiggle...mmm mmm mmm...We crashed at a Starbucks next to More for a while, and then made off for the ESPN-Zone for dinner. The kids played some video games, and we had some game-day food while we watched several screens each with different college football games on...nearly Heaven! What made that even more special is that Karen's other best friend Liz and her hubby Tony were in town for a wedding, and they met us at ESPN for dinner and a special visit. How awesome is that?














After dinner, we made our way back to the Navy Pier. We hung out around there, took some pictures of the skyline, played catch with a football, and watched a USO Service Awards banquet through the windows. There was a parade of all the state flags and a medley of music from each of the branches (including the Coast Guard, Yes!). Very cool moment - here is the presentation of the colors for the National Anthem.

Finally, we were treated to "Halloween Fireworks" that night. Wow, I said. That's just about all I could say...Wow!

Here are some highlights from the first day:

Tom's Farm

Since we're posting about "not being in Memphis", our family had a real treat a couple of Sundays ago...our church hosted a Family Day out at Tom's Farm, which is about 45 minutes east of Cordova in the farmland and hills of West Tennessee. We went on a hayride, stopped to pick our own pumpkins in their pumpkin patch swung on a giant tire swing, threw hay on our friends, had a giant bonfire and roasted wieners and made smores. Totally "not in Memphis anymore" for us, and it was MUCH FUN! Perhaps best of all, Nick surprised Karen by packing the picnic basket with everything we needed, so we didn't have to buy drinks or food. He even packed paper plates, napkins, and ketchup for the weiners! Truly amazing...

Here's a slide show of the family with our pumpkins, throwing our hay, and generally having a great time with our Forest Hill church family...

Not in Memphis Anymore?

Karen and I always pay special attention to scenery, people, foods, etc., that make us feel "We're not in Memphis anymore." Those special escapes are rare, and quite lovely! Karen had one of those moments while snapping some photos during her recent visit to the Memphis Zoo. This one snapshot says it all...Sure doesn't look like Memphis...(actually, this is a view of the side of one of the lodge buildings in the new Teton Trek exhibit in the Memphis Zoo, with the Rhodes College tower in the distance. You can find glimpses very similar to this one on the campus of Dook university were my mom worked for way too many years)

Teton Trek!

The Memphis Zoo, recently rated #1 in America, recently opened its newest addition to the park, entitled Teton Trek. It's an area dedicated to Grizzly Bears, Timberwolves, Trumpeter Swans, and all sorts of beautiful things from the Great Northwest!

Karen and the kids got to preview Teton Trek on the members-only weekend, while I was judging a band contest in Huntingdon, TN. Here is a slide show of some amazing animals, and some beautiful exhibits! One photo of particular note is the one of Nicholas running through the geyser in the exhibit. The Zoo folks took his picture, and posted him on facebook - he was the first person to run through the geyser! Ah, sweet history...

Enjoy!

Our STAR recipient!

At C School, an awards ceremony is held every nine weeks. Student receive special recognition for perfect attendance, citizenship (high marks in conduct), most-improved, and several other categories. Each "support" area recognizes one student from each grade for distinction; the support areas include media/library, PE, art, and music. The STAR award (support teachers achievement recognition?) is a fairly coveted honor in our household already. Nicholas won the music STAR award last year, and the prized wristband is one of his most favorites. Well, enough drama...

Caroline was the STAR award winner in music for the entire 1st grade at her first awards assembly! Needless to say, we are most proud of her. Her teacher, Mrs. Van Dyke (pictured above), constantly remarks on how bright-eyed, and eager Caroline is, and how strong a singer! Yes, she's a big ham...all I can think of is that Caroline won the "Star Dazzle" award at such a young age (see High School Musical II). Oh drama...

Congratulations to our little STAR!

Conversations with Caroline....

Last week, while driving the kids to get their flu shots, Caroline says to me "Mom, I have a new boyfriend" I said, "you do? Who is it?" She says, "Wyatt, in my class." I say, "What does he look like?" She says, "He has white hair and white skin." I say, "does he know he is your boyfriend?" She says, "No, I haven't told him." I am cracking up at this point--thankfully, she couldn't tell. A few minutes later I say, "Caroline, I thought you said you were never going to get married and leave mommy and daddy." She says, as only Caroline can, "Mom, that was before first grade!!!!!!"

Well the next day she came home with a drawing of a heart and in the heart it said I LIKE YOU CAROLINE!--it was signed by Wyatt! I guess she told him!!

Don't ya love it!!

The PORK LUNG...

Yes, it hit our family too...The swine flu (or what we affectionately refer to as the Pork Lung) paid us a visit last Saturday. Nicholas woke up feeling hot and flushed, and had a temperature of 101.5. Karen was at a preschool training session, and the kids & I were supposed to go to the Memphis vs. Marshall game so I could fulfill my duties with the Mighty Sound. His fever was just enough to keep us home, but by lunch time, it had spiked to 104.8. Yikes!

I started pushing the ibuprofen and fluids, and we got him in to see his doctor Sunday afternoon. His strep test was negative, and it seemed his flu test was at first, but then it came back rip-roaring positive. He got his Tamiflu and a steroid (to help with his spasmodic croup), and received a week-long pass from school, doctor's orders. The worst part was he was supposed to make his 2nd start at quarterback for his football team, which of course did not happen.
























Caroline went to school Monday, and to band practice with me after school, where she complained of a tummy-ache. I took her temperature when we got home and she had hit 101.5 as well. We got some Tamiflu called in, and Caroline got a "stay home from school all week" pass as well.

Truly, these pictures sum it up...
















Now if Karen and I can stay healthy, that will be a praise! You can imagine what their imposed extra fall-break did to our existing pa-de-deux of schedules - We went from "Swan Lake" to "Rite of Spring"! (I know, random ballet music references...suffice it to say we went from well-choreographed to borderline chaotic...)

Happy Birthday Tita Liz!!

Today is my BFF's birthday! So HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZ! Wish I was there to bake you a cake!!

See Liz on the web! http://www.horizonsdiagnostics.com/borelli.html

Congratulations Jason!!!

Today I want to send out a great big HIP HIP HOORAY!!!! to my brother in law Jason Destrada. On 9/16/09 he was pinned as chief for the United States Navy! This is not an easy goal to achieve and Jason worked very hard to accomplish this goal! Way to go Jason! Wish we could have been there to celebrate with you!! Enjoy these pictures of Jason, my sister Theresa and their boys Logan and Ethan!!

Lindsey's visit

Lindsey made a special appearance at the house last night - she's a working woman now, so we don't get to visit with her very much! She came over for dinner and our weekly "America's Got Talent"...Here's a shot with Caroline & Lindsey. In a phrase, "plumb tuckered out"...















speaking of "plumb tuckered"...

Black by popular demand...The Puppies!

Sorry Halbo, older dogs need not apply...

This post is all about the Bostons...those crazy, cartoon characters come to life. We write to today to celebrate the smiles that they give us. Truly, images on a computer screen can't do them justice!

Today was a fun day with Nick and the pups - Nick was home from work waiting on a roof person to come and replace some shingles (to stop a leak that was dripping in the living room). So what did the Bostons and Nick do? Well, Nick worked around the house and on school stuff that he put online for his class. The Bostons? Well, Lexi helped fold clothes...














and Otis, well Otis did what Otis does best...sleep! After Lexi's work was finished, she "squeezed in" a nap too, and then licked air...