Something lost in translation!

I had the privilege of working in Landry's nursery this class yesterday with another Mom. We talked to the kids about Palm Sunday. We explained that Jesus came to town on a donkey, the people were excited to see him and they welcomed him like a king. They had palm branches that they put on the ground so he (and his donkey) would not have to touch the dirt. They also waived the branches in the air and shouted "Hosanna, Hosanna." Each of the kids made a palm branch and we used them during our praise and worship time as well as during our story. It was really fun to watch them sing and dance to the Lord!

After we left church, I did my normal questioning of Landry to see what he remembered. Although I know we were very clear in our teaching, something got lost in translation from adult to 4 year old.

Mommy: Landry do you know what today is?

Landry: Sunday

Mommy: This is a special Sunday - do you know what its called?

Landry: Palm Tree Sunday! (With a big grin that shows how proud he is for knowing that)

Mommy: And who went to town on Palm Tree Sunday? (Did I just say that I thought to myself)

Landry: Jesus!

Mommy: And what was Jesus riding?

Landry: A donkey!

Mommy: What did the people waive at Jesus?

Landry: Palm Trees! (That's gives quite a mental visual image!

With each question Landry gets more excited and proud that he knows the answers - by the last question he is just beeming

Mommy: What did the people say to Jesus as he rode into town?

Landry: Jose! Jose!

Gotta love them!
Well - from our family to yours - Happy Palm Tree Sunday!

I hope that during this very special week you will dwell on the magnitude of Christ's love and sacrifice for you!

It's Official

Thanks for all of your votes and e-mails about a name for the puppy. It was a tight race, and a vocal campaign by many of you. After considering all the input you gave, we decided to name the puppy Fluffy. OK - not really - the puppy's name is . . .

Sprite! This was just too perfect (and Landry was stuck on it). Despite being a Landry favorite, Sprite also lives up to his mythological background of being very feisty and spirited.

Sprite went to the vet for the first time and weighed in at 2.7 pounds. He was an instant hit at the office and was given a clean bill of health. He has explored his way around the house and backyard and is getting accustomed to his new home. He loves chasing Landry around and Landry loves it too! his favorite toy is Landry's dirty sock!

Landry is being such a great big brother. He even helps take Sprite outiside for his morning potty break! One morning it was rather chilly and Landry ran inside to get a hat to help him stay warm.

I guess it was less about immediate warmth and more about thinking of a warm place (note the wide brimmed beach hat)! Or maybe it was just that we live in Texas and don't really have hats that keep your head and ears warm becuase we rarely need them.

This morning, Sprite went to school with Landry to meet his friends. Landry was so excited to introduce Sprite to his class.

Sprite was - once again - an instant hit.

Mommy's Birthday Present

Mommy's birthday is tomorrow but she already got her birthday present. I just wanted to share it with you.



I just love the new puppy. He is soft and cuddly but he also likes to play tag. I have fun watching him explore the house, especially when he slips and slides on the wood floor.

We went to San Antonio to look the puppies and this one was the first to run, play and explore. Mommy says he is a Maltipoo (Maltese daddy and Poodle mommy). Please don't hold his heritage against him Scotty and Tia - he looks just like his daddy.

Now we have the hard decision of finding the perfect name for him. Mommy has already vetoed many of my choices (Superdog, Bat Hound, John Deere Tractor, and Backhoe). But there are a few we all like! We would like your help because we just can't decide. Please check out the names and then cast your vote in the blue box on the right.

1. Emmitt - we have noticed the ability to run and cut just like Emmitt Smith. This will come in very handy when playing tag with Landry.

2. Duke - Steve loves the Duke Bluedevils basketball team and it seems like a cute name for a boy puppy

3. Scout - Amy's favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird and Scout, a character from the book, won out over Boo and Aticus

4. Sprite - one of Landry's favorite drinks. We just didn't think root beer was an appropriate name for a white dog.

Please vote on the box to the right. If you don't like any of these then please feel free to leave your name of choice as a Comment. Thanks for helping us out. We hope to have the perfect name very soon.

Disclaimer: The family keeps the right to name the new puppy whatever they want despite the results of this ever so official vote!