1998 Christmas Letter

December 17, 1998

“You knew it when you opened the envelope: it’s another Christmas Letter! … We left off last time with a new baby that was expected around Valentine’s Day of 1998. Well, Abigail Grace was born two weeks early—January 29 to be exact—and totally changed our lives. Jordan loves his little sister and has devoted much of his time toward training up Abi in the ways of childhood, though at two-and-a-half, Jordan prefers ‘building’ with his omnipresent toolbelt, watching Blue’s Clues on Nickelodeon, hanging out with Dan-Dan (his nickname for Paul’s dad) and drawing in his handy-dandy notebook. Abi will probably be walking by Christmas, and driving by mid-spring, as near as we can tell. She’s great…
Amy completed her first full year as a kitchen consultant with The Pampered Chef®, having recently been promoted to Director. (She also earned a trip to New Orleans for Paul & Amy in January ‘99!) While Amy’s away showing off new kitchen tools, Paul’s been able to spend great quality time with the children…
Paul’s art direction at Toolbox is continuing into its third successful year—be looking out for a possible office moving announcement later in 1999! December commemorated the first full publication year of Communiqué,
an online literary and arts journal that Paul designs and co-edits in his spare time. The site has been well-received; looking back on the first year, we’re able to see God’s providence and blessing, as well as a ministry that utilizes Paul’s gifts…
The summer brought its usual travel adventures—on the same night as Amy’s 10-year high school reunion (in Lubbock), we also celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary. Later the same week we took Abigail on a wonderful driving vacation to Santa Fe. We found a great bed & breakfast and spent five days in and around the city. Highlights included touring the new O’Keeffe museum, Canyon Rd. galleries, driving through the mountains with cousin Tyler and meeting his lovely fiancee Melissa, and “lots of good food.” Where was Jordan all this time? Don’t worry: he was having the time of his life at Grandpa and Shelley’s new house in Lubbock. By the time we returned, he had complete run o’ the house. Later in the summer Amy & the kids were able to return to Lubbock, roadtripping with Amy’s brother, his wife Heidi, and their new daughter Kaila (who was born a month after Abigail) who were visiting from Chicago.
Then for Thanksgiving it was Lubbock all over again (!), after which we all flew into Austin to celebrate Granny Ruth’s 80th birthday! All of our grandmothers are practicing octagenarians! Well, we’re outta room! May this letter find you in good health. God bless your family! Stay in contact! Love,

~ Paul, Amy, Jordan & Abi