'Twas the night before Christmas,

and the kids still aren't down.

It'll be a crazy night with the Rice circus in town.

Dad with his laptop and Mom with her bowl,

As you can see in the photo we're losing control.

Ashley with scissors, and Ainlsee her book,

Andi is grasping the marker she took.

Spencer is playing in the clothes we just washed,

"We're thinking dry cleaning is worth the cost."

But in this season of giving and joy

We are truly blessed with three girls and one boy.

And with love, family and friends, to you we write...

Merry Christmas to all

and to all a good night!

And it begins. . .

So we've graduated into the typical suburbian family. We've bought our very first tchoctchke (pron. Chauch Key - slang for a cheap showy trinket) for Christmas. Next year will probably be lights on the house, then a reindeer or two or three, then of course a blow up lawn ornament thing, and the grandest of all: setting the lights to music! Check out our front yard:

Giddy with excitement

Is anyone else excited for this Christmas season like I am?!?! YOOHOO!!