We did Christmas early with the Howerton clan, while Michael and Jodie were visiting from Seattle. Here are some photos and highlights of that time:1. lots and lots of wrestling2. matching pj's. thanks Aunt Sarah!3. human pyramids4. gingerbread house competitionAnd now, for the results:WINNER: Most Christmas-y (Michael, Jodie, Alex, Caleb) WINNER: Most Religious Interpretation of a Secular Gingerbread House (Mark & Jafta, for using crosses on the windows and red frosting representing "the . . .

Just after Thanksgiving, every year without fail, I start a little holiday tradition of my own. Anything good that happens, I deem to be a "Christmas Miracle". I just crack myself up with this one for the whole month of December. It never gets old. Right Mark?So last weekend was a weekend of miracles. In an attempt to be the kind of parents who expose their children to more than IKEA and Target, we braved a one of those community events that brings people out in droves. It was a snow day hosted . . .

Would it be great if this was actually effective? And I could just sit back and make the kids do this chore? . . .

Getting a good Christmas photo is one of those holiday tasks that can incite fear and dread into the heart of even the bravest of parents. I have spent countless hours in a portrait studio my children, puling my hair out and seriously biting my tongue so that I don't scream at the barely-15-year-old employee to TAKE THE FREAKING SHOT and WHO CARES IF HIS KNEES ARE NOT CROSSED, HE JUST SMILED. And then explaining, as they enter into their sale pitch, why I would not like a collage of my kids with . . .

{at the rehearsal before the show. notice: Cheerios in hand = compliant toddler}India had her first (and last) modeling gig today. It was a runway show for Simple Shoes at a swanky hotel in Laguna Beach. She had one task: walk down the runway, turn around, walk back. Let's just say things did not go as planned, and I don't think we will be asked back. In truth, I really haven't pursued any kind of modeling stuff for her, even though people often tell me I should. But I heard about the show . . .