Recreating Howie's Christmas Program

Howie had his Christmas program at school a few weeks ago and he did a wonderful job singing a song with his class. The whole program was over in about 15 or 20 minutes but it was really cute!! Howie hasn't ever seemed to be much of a performer- we went to a wonderful Bible study in St Louis that had an amazing children's program, and they would have a performance twice each year to showcase what the kids were learning. I don't think Howie ever did much singing up on stage, although he stood there reluctantly. So we weren't sure what to expect this year, but he sang his class song with gusto. I wanted to get a good picture but I couldn't get one that really showed Howie- too many eager parents leaning out to photograph!! These were the best I could do. We are so proud of Howie- he is growing so fast and learning wonderful things at preschool!

Here he is marching in with his classmates

Howie is the one standing behind the lady whose head is in the aisle- you can only see his shoes and jeans! But there he is! (Thanks a lot lady)

Since I wasn't able to get a good pic or video of the performance, I asked Howie to sing his song again right in front of our Christmas tree. He willingly obliged.

New Years Eve, Parents of 3 Sleeping Kids-Style

Though only a few miles from Times Square, this tells you all there is to say about our New Years Eve celebration this year:

me

Josh

1 bottle of Korbel

Madonna & MJ

some amazing dancing

3 sleeping kids upstairs

preaching in the morning

makes for a craaazy night that ends before midnight

Wren, the Queen of Pink

This girl is usually covered from head to toe in pink. It's a beautiful thing. Here she is wearing her princess outfit, as Howie calls her skirt.

Wren Shows Off Her Skillz

We're all very proud of her latest accomplishment!

The Making of a Vegetarian

Howie is undergoing a major paradigm shift in his diet. He's starting to refuse to eat meat, with only a few exceptions. This is like a tyrannosaurus rex swearing off being a carnivore. In the past we could always count on Howie to devour a chicken leg, a hamburger, a chunk of pot roast, etc. He was eating barbequed ribs before he turned 2. The whole rack. He was constantly on the Atkins diet. He would have made a wonderful hunter-caveman. It was a herculean task to get him to eat any fruit, and any vegetable other than broccoli. But the tide is turning... usually now if I give him a ham or turkey sandwich he'll just eat the bread. For lunch he just ate a salad and some pear slices. And almonds for a snack. I kind of don't recognize him anymore.

An Ode to a New York Bagel

Oh New York bagel, how I love you. Chewy and soft on the inside, slightly crusty on the outside, you are a gastronomic delight of epic proportions. Slathered in butter and jam, you are a celestial food belonging to another sphere. You make Panera bagels hang their heads in shame as they realize how poorly they imitate you. Oh that I could eat you moment by moment and not get fat!! You fill our mouths with gladness and our stomachs with fullness. May we always live within walking distance of a hot bagel store.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

We got our tree last weekend and it's HUGE!! This is a tree for the ages! The house smells wonderful!

Right by the tree is the perfect place to play Legos

This little galpal loves the sparkling lights and ornaments.

Josh had many Legos as a kid and he brought his whole collection home from his parents' house when we were there over Thanksgiving, much to Howie's delight. They've been having a blast building together!