Christmas in Texas

This is our first Christmas in Texas since 2006. It feels so nice to be with our families and some very dear friends during the holidays. I do miss the cold of New York, the way it felt like Christmastime. (Today the high was 77. I wore my Birkenstocks.) I miss the traditions that we were a part of during our years there: advent readings each week at Trinity, Christmas concerts, singing during the Christmas Eve concert and wandering Central Park on Christmas Day. Home is good, but NYC was home for so long... I think it's okay to miss it right now too.  

Abraham ("Abe") and Molly are my sister's two little doggies that are getting to know us pretty well,

as we are staying with my sister and her husband until we figure out what exactly it is we are doing....

My sister Chrissy, and her husband Jeremiah 

Chris and I are living with them until .... well, until further notice. We are grateful for the warm bed, meals that include Texas beef, clean towels, and use of their car (when need be).

Making Christmas sugar cookies with my sister, LB. 

Holiday baking with my two best mates, Lora & Lani. We have been lucky enough to share lots of coffee and conversation over the past month. Lani and I took a road trip to Dallas one weekend and Chris and I have slept on Lora and Christoph's couch more times than we can count in the past couple of weeks. So blessed to have such wonderful friends in our lives. 

Much snuggling with three-month-old Micha. I love this girl and I'm lucky that Lora is on maternity leave through the first of the year. Lots of trips to Target, Hobby Lobby and JC Penny- just the three of us. I love to see my friend as mom (to two now). And it amazes me. 

Chris letting Tessa sit on his motorcycle. Tessa was brave, bold, and very curious about the bike. BUT with any talk whatsoever about starting the engine she was running toward the front door, hands over her ears.

**  I know I need to let you in more on what's going on in my life: jobs, houses, cars, kids, church...etc. And I will. Sometimes I just don't want to think about it. And recently I've considered what I want to do with this blog anyway. I began blogging when we moved to New York, to keep my friends and family abreast of our NYC life. And now we are back.... (BUT, I know now the opposite is now true; friends that have become my family in NYC, and elsewhere, are reading.... so, for now I march onward.)  Also, just so you know, it's hard to do much of anything (TX drivers license, get personal article insurance, change your mailing address with Fidelity... without a PHYSICAL address.....) That's right, a PO Box will not suffice! **