The World's Newest Christian

Well, not anymore, but such was the case Sunday morning. Liliana was baptised at our church by Father James Liggit. I have to say, I was surprised at how many people were there. The church was almost full, although only a few were there just because of the ceremony. We were very sad that Liliana's godmother, Marty, couldn't be there. However, Staylee's mom, my grandfather, Micheal (Liliana's godfather), Micheal's mom Cindy, and Diana Williams all attended.

It was a wonderful occasion. Lili did cry when they poured the water over her head, but when she realized everyone was watching her and clapping for her, she turned on the charm. We received some very nice gifts for Lili, including a frame and cross from Michael, a book of illustrated scripture from Cindy, and a board book of Bible stories from Carole. Afterwards there was a lovely reception and then Staylee's mom and Stan took the family out to breakfast. I don't have that many pictures, so I'll just post them in the column. A woman at church said she took some pictures of the actual event. If we get some of those I'll add them.

Posing with Father Liggit.

The Baptismal Party: Michael, Amber, Liliana, and Staylee

With Uncle Micheal, her godfather.

Liliana's red velvet cake.

Best,

Amber

New Year, New Update

Happy New Year to one and all! Things are finally starting to calm down after the holidays and we are drifting back into our routine. We had a wonderful break.

Liliana loved Disneyland. I am currently editing our flood of pictures before uploading them to share. She went on pretty much every ride she was tall enough for and met many characters. That was actually her favorite part. She is now in love with Minnie Mouse in addition to her already cemented Cinderella and Mickey Mouse love. The rest of the California trip was nice. Lili went to the beach for the first time and we had to drag her away despite the fact that it was freezing.

Christmas was small and wonderful. We only had a few presents as a result of the trip, but Lili didn't care. She got a giant Minnie Mouse from Santa and a princess calender from her Uncle Mike and Aunt Michelle--anything else was pretty much superfluous. We have yet to hang the calander because she keeps toddling around with it, showing us Cinderella over and over again.

We had the pleasure of spending a few days with Uncle John when he brought Grandpa back from Florida, although I don't know that Staylee has quit recovered from some of his African snake stories.

Last Saturday Staylee and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. We didn't do anything big. Staylee, Liliana, and I went to a nice family lunch and then that evening Larry watched Liliana while Staylee and I went to a movie, a luxury I always treasure.

This coming Sunday is Liliana's baptism at St. Nicholas'. Everyone in the congregation has told us how much they are looking forward to it.

Our plans for the semester are already under construction. In March we're going to spend a few days in Oklahoma with Staylee's parents. In February I will be returned to Alpine for the Cowboy poetry weekend sponsored by my honors society. I don't know yet if it will be a weekend or day trip. It depends on the schedule. And Liliana and I will at some point be traveling to Lexington, Virginia to visit her godmother, Marty. I'm really looking forward to that trip.

Until the pictures are up from the trip, I will just post a select few from Disneyland and a copy of the invitation to Liliana's baptism. Anyone who will be in the Midland area Sunday, January 13, is welcome.

Best,

Amber