Just in case you aren't on my list...

I know some of you aren't on my Christmas card list...and it's probably because I don't have your address. Or because you are a crazy stalker-type. Or because I don't know you read this little bloggy thing. Mostly because I don't have your address. Also, I didn't send out my Christmas letter with every photo...I felt it was a bit strange, and as I've mentioned, Jeff pooh-poohed it. But I've gotten some good feedback, and my mom really wants to see it. So I've pasted in the photo from our photo card and the letter is below... Happy Holidays!


Photo:

Letter:

FAQ about the 2009 S. Christmas card:

Q: Why is the adorable 18 month old sporting a shiner?

A: Michael fell off a kitchen chair in the middle of November. We were assured by the doctor that while no permanent damage had been done, there was no hope for a Christmas picture without a black eye in it. We've never had a climber and an adventurer before. Michael is determined to prove to us that there is no such thing as a "veteran" parent...each child has things to teach us. When he isn't diving off chairs and eating chalk/markers/dog food, Michael is the lovebug of our household. He brings out the best in the other kids and is the happiest, most easy-going guy you could ever meet.

Q: Why is the ruggedly handsome 6 year old sporting a perfectly round spot in between his eyes?

A: Not to be outdone by his little brother, Andrew decided to mark up his face just in time for photos. I have been assured that he has learned his lesson and will never put his play football helmet on backwards again. Other than experimenting with football gear, Andrew has also learned to swim, read, and started Kindergarten, soccer, and flag football (not in that order). We continue to be amazed by his maturity and compassion for others,...but he still giggles at a good underpants joke, so we know he's just a normal boy underneath it all.

Q: How did you get so lucky as to have a 3 year old little girl who cooperates so brilliantly for a photo?

A: Rest assured that "Tiger-Lily" was screaming just moments before this shot was taken. I believe we bribed her with candy to get her to sit still. But she had to be in the picture just to prove that at least one of our children is still unscathed. Lily loves to sing and argue and play make-believe and argue and she will tell you the sweetest compliments you've ever heard. And she likes to argue. She has also convinced us that the best antidote to the flu is peanut butter and crackers. It is all she eats and yet she was the only one untouched by the flu this fall. Go figure. She also just potty trained herself last week. That's right...I'm talking about bodily functions in a Christmas letter. Dude...she's over 3...this is NEWS.

Q: Why aren't Jeff and Giselle in the Christmas photo this year?

A: Have you ever tried to take a photo with 3 wiggly kids in it? We needed all the adult hands possible to get a picture of this banged-up crew...maybe next year when we try the "straight-jacket" pose we'll get in it again. In all seriousness, 2009 has been good to our family. Jeff's company was bought out by Dow Chemical, and in August he accepted a new job within the company (Quality Systems Specialist, in case you were curious). He now commutes to work by train and his office literally overlooks the Liberty Bell. He is still fencing and has reached his goal weight...which he is forbidden from telling his wife since she has...ahem...NOT reached her goal weight.