Welcome to ALEXIS!

We should've known...it was beautiful foreshadowing. We were leaving the breeder's house with Otis on July 26th, and our breeder said these words...

"THEY'RE LIKE POTATO CHIPS...YOU CAN'T HAVE JUST ONE..." Could you hear the thunderclap in the background, the "mwaaahaaaahaaaa" from a voice known only as "Big Momma"?

Well, Big Momma (the breeder) was right, and November 24th, we brought home Alexis on a trial run. Big Momma graciously allowed us to bring her home for several days, to make sure our world and all those that live there were copacetic to an influx of fur. Otis was (and still is) in rehab from his knee surgery, and not supposed to be agitated. Hal was (and still is) just plain grumpy.

So, we test drove Alexis and I certainly had my doubts. It was quick on the throttle, but not very responsive to steering, and it seemed REALLY loose in the rear end at just about any speed. However, Big Momma was right. Bostons do much better in pairs, and we couldn't have just one...

You are cordially invited to enjoy this slide show of our newest family member, Alexis Shar-pay Holland!

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!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

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!