Christmas letter Post Script

We forgot three things:

1. Mark passed his candidacy exam a few months ago. !!!!!!!!!!!! This means he's actually allowed to pursue his PhD project, as opposed to be being a measly, course-taking, pre-candidacy student. He worked really hard (and I knew he'd pass), but it sucked the life out of him for a while.

2. We celebrated our 7th anniversary on December 22nd--I'm too much of a novice blogger still to have remembered to dedicate a post to this, but:

it's been a fabulous happy seven years, full of wrenching experiences, laughter at made-up songs, and now three very munchkin-y kids--I'm so glad I get to be on the same team with Mark for everything--here's to seventy more!

3. I love empanadas con queso now.

That's not really the third item, but, seeing as how I can't remember it right now, I thought you should know about the empanadas thing. I've been meaning to confess for a while. Stay tuned for the other item . . .

God rest ye merry gentlemen and elves . . .

Taking a break from this:

to bring you the following recap of our Christmas eve--Merry Christmas!

early in the eve:

if you're going for it all in one night, i recommend the premade tub of sugarcookie dough.

the "opening one present on the Eve" Taye tradition

thanks Catherine!--this was a rousing performance of Jingle Bells.

i'd like you to notice that all three kids' cheeks are pictured.

Our Nativity
(I couldn't lay on my stomach that pregnant, but she looks pretty comfy.)

Mary and the happy donkey


and she wrapped the babe in swaddling clothes and layed him in a manger

yes, some confusion with "Alli, you be Mary--and Mary, you be Jesus."

Good tidings of great joy which shall be to ALL PEOPLE, and
on earth, Peace, goodwill towards men



i have a small halo. and two cute, blue-clad shepherds.

yes, seals are herd animals.

Our good friends the Pypers stopped by, bringing food, family love, presents and song. :)

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

when H* freezes over . . .

. . . we stick our hands out the car windows and catch quarter-sized flakes! thanks Canada!







we love H*town and we love having it briefly look like our hometown :)


Sorry no pictures--i can't get it to work, soooooo, check some out at chron.com or, ooo oo, the Houston Rowes' got some!

you say 'twas yer birthday? well . . .

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

allianna's pink third birthday party has

come and gone and i don't have much to say other than: phew.

hokey pokey.

skip to my lou.

the best game (not pictured) was Pass the Parcel. google it. play it.

the aforementioned cake.

sweet friend Brielle.

they were delighted to pose together and hug. two shy pink gals have found each other--happiness!

see you again after Christmas.

okay, i'll be back before Christmas. i've still got the actual b-day with a VISIT FROM PAPA (!!!!!!!!!!!), various festive and enjoyable jungle shots. til then . . .

Princess Frostine.

NB: the time on the clock, the color of the frosting, and hey, while you're at it, my long-longed after utensil holder.

birthday party tomorrow.

i only like frosting, cake makes me curse.

i used to work my way through the task of the cake part and relish the "F" of frosting at the end.

got to go, squalling babe awakes and i'm the only responsible adult who doesn't have to get up at 5 for seminary . . . .