We got the BEST Christmas gift!!!

On Christmas Eve I really didn't feel like going to church. I was tired and a little grumpy! Nick had a horrible couple of days thanks to a certain coworker, I was training for my wonderful new job, it had been raining forever and my back door still leaks...... get the picture? But Nick says "lets go" and so we did! I am forever thankful that I did. While we were at church my sweet little (not so much anymore) Caroline asked Jesus into her heart-- What more could a mom ask for? I am so very blessed that both of my child now have an eternal future with the most Amazing God!!!!

Merry Christmas from the Hollands!

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An All-American, Our Big Boys, and a new TOM

During the last two home games of the year for Memphis Football, we enjoyed some neat moments. First, Nicholas was named to the Crosscheck All-American, All-Academic team! It was a big honor, as the boys had to have a 3.5 GPA or higher. He has a 4.0 so far, and we're very proud of him. The All-Americans from the Memphis area were recognized by joining the traditional "march-a-round", which begins every pregame for all Tiger football games - it's a big deal, and Nick's band leads the way every game. Here's a couple snaps of Nicholas in his big moment...


























Also, Caroline got to visit with two of her favorite band members, Brandon and Randy...She calls them her "big boys", and they are two of our very best trumpet players. Here's a shot of Caroline and her "big boys"...(Randy is on the left)














Finally, the Memphis community said farewell to our Bengal Tiger mascot TOM II, who passed away earlier this year after a bout with mouth cancer. We were fortunate enough to introduce this year his replacement, TOM III, who is an 11-month old tiger cub. Normally, TOM parades behind the band at the march-a-round in his very large, air-conditioned trailer. This game, TOM III enjoyed making his debut in a much more understated fashion. No doubt, he'll enjoy all the spoils of being the most beloved Tiger by thousands in Memphis...

The New "Do"

Nick and Nicholas recently got their hair cut at "Gypsyville", which is really the home of Gypsy van Wijk. We go to church together at Forest Hill Community Church. Gypsy asked Nicholas how he wanted his hair cut that day, and he responded, "I want a faux-hawk." He had asked for a mohawk several hair cuts ago, which Karen vetoed promptly. At his last visit, Gypsy mentioned the faux-hawk, and Karen agreed to it. At the time, Nicholas got cold feet, but not this day! Check out the new "do", which Mrs. Adams (his 2nd grade teacher from last year) referred to as very "intermediate" (i.e. half grown-up)!

Flamingos!

I think we've mentioned that Caroline loves the color "pink", and nothing would please her more than if the entire world were varying shades of pink. One recent Sunday afternoon while Karen was working, Nick and the kids spent a couple of hours at the zoo, only to see if the baby flamingo's feathers had turned from gray to pink...It had, actually, and this was a brand new flamingo that has gray feathers. Flamingos don't turn pink until they eat enough shrimp. We do have too much time on our hands...

Thanks to Grammy and Papa...

For our awesome new DAWG-wear! Nick and the kids promptly adorned their bulldog attire, and certainly sported it for the big Georgia/Florida game. We were so excited for the game...and watched with anticipation...and our thoughts wandered...and we finally changed clothes and cleaned house instead. Not that we are fair-weathered fans; folks are just vicious on losers around here! Check out the goods from Grammy and Papa...Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Otis update!

Hip! Hip! Hooray!--- kind of. On Halloween Otis went to the surgeons office and spent the day there. He had some xrays and some physical therapy to determine if his leg is healed. I picked him up after a day of Harvest parties, First Nicholas' then Caroline's. The official word is that his leg is healed! Wooo Hooo right? Well yes, except he still is not allowed to run, jump or slip on these nice new wood floors that are all over our house!! He doesn't have to live in his create anymore but with all of those lovely restrictions we are still putting him in there alot! Plus he is not officially released from the surgeons office until his 9 weeks of rehab are up. Is this CRAZY or what! I love that little fella!! Nick does too but he has said reciently that he should have gotten me a Kitchen Aide mixer for my anniversary present instead...........