ALEXA. START THE TIMER.

When Kate came home the other day, she lost track of our new puppy, Norman.  We have two new puppies:  Niko and Norman.  They are darling puppy brothers who enjoy pooping under the table. Niko and Norman were both born the same day, but Norman is quite a bit chubbier.

Guess where she found Norman.

In the dog food storage bin.

They are surely cute.

 

But they poop SO MUCH.  It is incredulous and almost like they are playing a prank on me.

***

We are still working out what do do about Hadley’s wrecked car.  I called and talked to the dudes at the body shop today.

Not good news for the car.  Like, it is totaled.

But they were shocked that Hadley herself was not hurt at all.  They said that was actually pretty amazing.  So, that is something to be thankful about.

***

For reasons unbeknownst to me, the powers that be at the basketball gym allowed TEN spectators for HD’s basketball game.  And LD and I were lucky enough to receive two coveted spots.

And now, I would like to brag about my baby boy who now plays with high schoolers, even though he is only in 8th grade:

It is all very exciting.

***

The kids and I had our annual Christmas cookie decorating party.

We have done this for years.  Someday I should try to find all the pictures and post them together.

Today is not that day.

***

The boys and I went to mother’s house today.  Mother was making Christmas cookies with her sister, Aunt Candi.  Uncle Harry was there as well.

I know.  It’s ok.  Just pretend like you know all those people.  It’s fine.

The boys did not help make cookies.  They ate cookies, played basketball, ate cookies, and watched tv.  They also helped sample a few cookies.

Also, we compared Mother and LD’s height.

And can we not all agree that is ridiculous?  Yes?

Mother and Aunt Candi were having a grand time baking cookies.  And you would think that they were making cookies for 472 people.  There were a lot of cookies.

Brother Danny has gotten mother an Alexa.  Because he thinks he is funny.

Mother likes to use Alexa to help her bake cookies.  And, oh the joy it brings her.

Mom:  Taylor.  I used to get confused with which timer was for what.  Using Alexa to help with timers is life-changing.

So.  Mom is baking up a storm.  And so is Aunt Candi.  And mom has also invited Alexa to the party, because Mom was talking to Alexa more than she spoke to anyone else.  And when I say she spoke to Alexa, of course I mean she shouted.

ALEXA.  PLAY CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

ALEXA.  START A TIMER FOR CHOCOLATE MINT COOKIES.

ALEXA. TURN DOWN THE CHRISTMAS MUSIC.

ALEXA.  START A TIMER FOR PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES.

ALEXA.  STOP THE TIMER FOR CHOCOLATE MINT COOKIES.

ALEXA.  TURN THE MUSIC UP.

Me:  Mom.  Can you try and talk to Alexa in a normal voice?

Mom:  It doesn’t work like that.

Meanwhile, Aunt Candi politely asks Alexa to start timers in her normal indoor voice, and shockingly, Alexa can hear her.

My head is still pounding.

But I did get to eat three cookies and did not have to bake anything.

ALEXA.  SAY THANK YOU TO MA AND AUNT CANDI.