Tardy, But Not Absent!

Bueller?  Bueller?  Geck?  Geck?

I haven't totally neglected blog land.  I was actually starting a new blog and there were so many options, I just turned away for a little while.  That's a little procrastination technique / skill I have:  when you don't know what to do, just don't do it.  But there is another blog.  It is way behind, but it's something.  I just know I'm gonna get the frown face from people who are comfortable with Blog Spot.  Don't be afraid.  Just click around and surely you will find something?!?!  

So here it is:  the new Geck blog!  Again, not updated, but something.... kind of like my wardrobe. 

PS.  Marsha - I heard ya loud and clear sista and didn't want to let you down!

Christmas!

It may not last long, but the night before Christmas is the easiest night of the year to get the kids to bed.... thanks to the fear that Santa won't come unless they are asleep and snoring.  They even stay in bed until we come to get them in the morning.  Very strange.  

Jackson made it a little difficult on the big man this year.  He couldn't lock down any solid requests until about 3 days before.  We were a little nervous about some possible disappointment, but it was all good in the neighborhood.  The hits were toy guns, a harmonica, a head lamp, and a remote control helicopter (2nd year in a row, because last year's didn't fly). 

When asked what she wanted this year, Ella responded with "clothes", "toys", and "pink".  Easy enough.  She got a pink tent, princess shoes and clothes galore, and her favorite: The Wizard of Oz (which I think could be scary for a 2 year old, but she can't get enough of).  By the end of the day, this girl's closet could compete with any on MTV Cribs, and she earned a new name: Beyonce!  It was a great morning with the family and everyone was thankful....   

Trying to play some Robert Earl Keen on the new harmonica

Opening gifts in the tent

Watching "Dorfy" while waiting for the bus to leave for Irving

G & and her grandbabies

Hulk hands to box with Big Pop

Christmas Eve in Granbury

It was a full house this year with Jason's family on Christmas Eve.  Chris, Vanessa, and Sloan came up from Austin, and there was no shortage of toys or food.  The weather was gorgeous at the lake, so we played outside during the day, then moved the party inside in the evening for desserts, gifts, and games.     

Nani gave Jackson his first pocket knife.... probably his favorite gift of the night.  It came with a disclaimer note that Daddy must always be present when the knife was in use.  Unwrapping was a little slower this year, because he had to cut open each bow with the knife, and this carried on into Christmas day.  For a little update, as of January 3rd, he has cut himself twice.  The news came like this:  "Um Dad... I think I might have maybe accidentally cut myself a little, but maybe not."  "Well then why is there blood on your finger?"  "Um, I kinda forgot."  "Jackson, did you use your knife without permission?"  "Um, well, maybe?" 

Ahhhh, Aunt Ness!  She is all girl and Ella Kate eats it up.  They gave her a new purse with fake makeup, perfume, and all the works.  She has multiple purses already, but a girl can never have too many handbags!  And here she is, painting Ella's nails.  I plan on sending Ella to Austin when she starts asking for real mani and pedis!  

There's that pocket knife!

One of the great things about the grandparent's house is indulging in all kinds of junk that is usually limited.  I told Ella Kate that she could drink Dr. Pepper as long as she was sitting down and not walking around with it.  Talk about control!  She sat her booty in that rocking chair for 15 minutes solid and cherished every second of it.

Sloan and Ella... I'm predicting some tough teenage years, so I'm gonna take the cute pics while I can.

Thank you Nani and Pops for a great day.  

Delicious Baby Jesus

Last Sunday, Ella Kate brought home from church a potato wrapped in brown fabric.... the baby Jesus if you haven't figured it out yet.  Girlfriend was proud.  She placed that baby in the crib to sleep and carried him around the house periodically. 

We let Parker dog in the house on Christmas cookie night because of the 20 something degree weather outside. Obviously distracted, we did not know or care where Parker had roamed to.  It turns out that he also adored baby Jesus... so much that he ate him.  Just check out the look of guilt in the picture below. 

Ella didn't take the news lightly.  A few tears were shed, but we assured her that we could make a new one.  I don't always follow through with my impulse promises, but I could probably swing this one if she pulls out the old broken record complaints.  I'm just glad that God is concerned with what's in our hearts, and not on our plates... Parker might be in some trouble on this one!   

"Parker, what is this????"

The Cookie Monsters

I'm not gonna pretend... I'd rather be licking on a bowl of Betty Crocker brownie batter, but a mom's gotta do what a mom's gotta do.  So we trashed the kitchen all in the name of Christmas cookies!  Between the mess and keeping everyone focused on the task at hand, I was soon ready for a hot bath, some Calgon, and a glass or two of wine.  So cheers to making memories, sharing traditions, and being festive.  

 

True Vintage

Christmas dress circa 1978...

30 years later it found it's way onto another brunette 2 year old Geck girl.  The "rubies red" are not vintage, but a great replica of the originals.  I love having a little girl!

No 2%'s Here!

Nope!  Not here!  We know the Ags stink this year, but we refuse to pledge our allegiance elsewhere.  The kids don't actually know how bad it is and that the sports commentators don't even discuss A&M lately.  They wear their gear loud and proud and we all still bleed maroon.

It was year 2 or 3 at the Trager's casa for the game.  Amy is the lone longhorn in the group, but this time she had the last laugh.  And I'm out of things to say on this post.

Will and Jackson ran into the living room occasionally to catch a super score.

The house divided

My little Aggies

We Are Thankful...

...for a beautiful country to play as we wish, 

for quality time with our family,

for more than enough delicious food to enjoy and share,

for traditions,

and for fun grandfathers!

Happy Thanksgiving 2008

Christmas is Coming...

... and we're getting ready!

Fall in Florida

Jason had to work a day in Deerfield Beach, so I tagged along and we made a long weekend of it.  It was the first time we had been there without kids in a long time (pre-Jackson).  I think it's safe to say that kids will keep you out of trouble in south Florida.  Regardless, we had a great time and are thankful for our friends there who always welcome us into their homes.

Dinner with Don and Judy... always a fantastic time and wonderful food!

We tried to lay out on the beach a few times, but a cool front blew in and the skin was not getting any tanner.

Hard Rock Hotel... need I say more?  We went with Giuseppe and his girlfriend to watch her salsa dance (I say "watch" because these people were way too good for us to join).  But on the way out, we came across a band playing some great 80's tunes and good ol' rock & roll.  So we decided to show salsa dancer how we roll.  This is the part where the kids might have kept us out of trouble!

Brunch at my favorite little beach dive: The Dune Deck Cafe.