6-Man Football

Last weekend we went to Plainview TX to watch nephews Luke and Levi play in the Texas State Playoffs against Garden City, TX. It was a cold game, but fun to see. Luke plays like all of my favorite football players, with an intensity that you can feel from the stands. I'd be proud to wear number 25.

Follett didn't win, so that was Luke's last High School game. I know that feeling, of working so hard in your senior year, devoting yourself entirely to a goal, and not making it there. I know how that hurts.

We're awfully proud of you.

Thanksgiving 2009 (2)

8th Annual Alsop Thanksgiving Connect Four Tournament

Watch this video!!! (took me 3 days to get it loaded)

And a good time was had by all.

Darlin' (Christmas is Coming)

by Over the Rhine: Snow Angels



One of my favorite Christmas albums.

Saint Nicholas Premier

This morning Anna and I are going to see this! I'm excited.

"Winter Event"

Snow forecast for today! We've got the crops all in, TV to watch, cookie dough in the freezer.

I'd like to order a snow day please.

El día de los muertos

We're celebrating in school today. I set up a mesa de ofrenda, we're having pan de muertos, the kids made calacas and papel picado to decorate. I think it's going to be a good day.

Cousins

A good baby laugh is a good thing.

Irreemplazable

After the whole Kanye/Taylor Swift/Beyoncé mess at the VMA's, I considered becoming a Beyoncé fan, but there's still the whole Anna sponge problem.

Then I found 4 songs recorded in Spanish. Bliss.

Then I found this: a Norteña remix. (The video's not great, just listen)

Definitely a fan.

Improv Everywhere

Spotted this link on Twitter.

I watched a couple of the missions, but Surprise Wedding Reception was my favorite.

¡Día de independencia de México!

Independence Day in Mexico is September 16. People gather in the zocalo (town center) on the 15th, and at midnight the president comes out on the balcony, remembering the leaders in the fight for freedom. He gives the "grito" about 4 minutes in, it's neat, you should stick around to see it. Someday I'd love to be there.

The song you hear in the beginning and after the grito is the national anthem. When people say that the anthem for the U.S. is too bloody, I always think of the Mexican himno nacional. Way bloodier. Here it is, with lyrics, if you're interested (English translation).

¡Feliz día de independencia!

Wrong

A couple of weeks ago Anna and I had a disagreement about whether or not she needed a nap. Matthew offered the opinion that maybe she didn't need one.

Anna seized upon that immediately, and then drew a picture to illustrate...

Matthew filmed it.

Otro comercial

Found this commercial last night, it's pretty fast, but the vocabulary is very basic. The accent is not familiar, I think it might be from Argentina? Someplace further south than Mexico, anyway.

Monk p.i.

It's one of the best weeks of the year.

Monk on Netflix.

We don't watch TV on TV (no cable out here, plus I hate being tied to schedules), just on Netflix, so we can burn through a whole season in just a couple of really wonderful days. We just finished Season 7, and I think there's only one season left....sniff...



Anyhoo, this promo was on the DVD, and it makes me laugh every time I watch it. Natalie with the towel! Disher rolling in his chair! Monk's wink! Enjoy.

One Year

Wisdom 3:1-6,9

1 But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.

2 They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction 3 and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace.

4 For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality;

5 Chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself.

6 As gold in the furnace, he proved them, and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.

9Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: Because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with the elect.

See Matthew's tribute here

the 6 month video here

6 months

**warning**

Gratuitously sad.