The Morris Christmas Herald
December, 1998

Sugar Land Couple Pregnant with First Child
Sugar Land, Texas: Our top story - the Morris family recently announced an anticipated population increase in May of 1999, bringing the number of Sugar Land Morrises to three.  The long awaited announcement came after four and a half years of marriage.   Child X (also known as “Keiki” – the Hawaiian word for “baby”) will be the first grandchild for both the Morris and Ingraham parents.  Early photos (10 weeks after conception) are available on the Internet.


 
 
Business
Employment statistics continue to look stable in the Houston area for Mark and Sandy Morris.  Mark continues as a second year PhD student at the University of Houston.  In addition to his  studies, Mark is currently a Teaching Fellow, serving as instructor-of-record for two undergraduate Psychology classes.  He also works as a consultant for Shell and other area oil companies, and was elected to the Graduate Student Council.  Mark attended the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists (SIOP) conference in Dallas this year. 
     Sandy continues her job as a technical writer (her title is actually Operations Analyst) with the bank formerly known as NationsBank.  Her bank acquired Bank of America this year and will now operate under that name.  She was recently promoted to Bank Officer and will be part of the NationsBank/ Bank of America merger team.  She is happy to report that she published eight manuals this year, taking up all of the available shelf space on the desk of each co-worker. 
Sports
Houston, Texas: In sports news, Astros fever gripped Houston as the local ballclub defeated the Atlanta Braves in dramatic fashion en route to a club-record 104 victory season. Mark and Sandy joined the Ingrahams, our dear Uncle Les, and his wife, Nancy,  for a memorable trip to the Astrodome where they watched as the tie game was broken open in the bottom of the ninth inning when All-Star Craig Biggio hit a game-winning home run that set off fireworks all over the stadium. Fans celebrated after the thrilling climax of a classic pitcher’s duel which matched two-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux against local ace Shane Reynolds. A tip for Sport Fans -- the best game-time snacks can be found at the Houston Farmer’s market, especially if you are fortunate enough to have a gourmet chef (such as Les Rossi) along to assist in selecting the finest produce. If possible, bring a wheelchair bound friend with you to the Dome- it’s a great excuse to use the Player’s elevator to the VIP lounge!
 
 
Weather
Sugar Land, Texas:  The Morris family experienced some interesting weather this year.  A harrowing eyewitness account from Mark of a tornado provided some exciting moments in the usually calm suburb of Sugar Land. As he returned home from work, Mark noticed an unusual greenish-black tint to the sky and his Saturn was pelted with intermittent hail. As he exited the freeway two miles from home he spotted a fat white funnel cloud which seemed to be heading directly toward him. As commuter heads turned in disbelief toward the oncoming twister it advanced until onlookers were able to distinguish debris rotating within it’s vortex (there is also an unconfirmed report of a Black Angus cow, but this may be hearsay). Fortunately, as rush hour traffic inched along, the tornado bounced over the road on which the eyewitness’s car idled, but not before destroying a good portion of the local mall and wreaking havoc that would rate national news coverage. When a shaken but exhilarated Mark arrived home, he found the house without power, whereupon he and Sandy spent the evening in front of the fire pretending they were pioneers.

Wedding Announcements

 

Analida Hernandez marries James Ingraham: Sandy’s brother, James, was married on January 10 in Davíd, Panama.  The wedding was held in a beautiful round church with huge glass picture windows, providing a spectacular view.  The bride was attended by four close friends in lavender gowns.  The groom was attended by his handsome brother Alex, his new brother-in-law Rafe, former roommate Jason, and Mark as the Best Man.  The reception was hosted by the parents of the bride, Jose and Thelma Hernandez.  Guests picnicked on the banks of a river, and as night fell, enjoyed the mariachi band under a magical spray of twinkling white Christmas lights.  The couple’s first dance was the waltz from 2001: A Space Odyssey and they honeymooned in the Caribbean. 

 Jen Martinek marries Scott Morris:  Mark’s brother Scott finally tied the knot.  The Texas Morrises (including Grandma Charlotte) traveled to Atlanta, Georgia to join the rest of the Morris clan for the momentous occasion.  The bride and groom exchanged vows in a garden gazebo, outside of an historic Atlanta home.  The reception at Morton’s of Chicago glittered with the gold party favors created by Margaret (Peter, Betty, Charlotte, and Sandy helped) and the restaurant provided an intimate setting for the guests to reminisce about old times and meet their new family members.  The food was delicious – Mark had salmon and Sandy supped on Filet Mignon and steamed asparagus – a feast fit for kings.  The couple honeymooned in England.

Liorah Rapkin marries Ed McDonough:  Sandy’s childhood friend, Li, married the man of her dreams on Halloween with Sandy in attendance as a bridesmaid.  The bridesmaids were asked to choose their own dresses (in black and gold).  Sandy wore a gold evening gown with a black shawl.  The bride’s sister, Ari, looked stunning in black, with gold jewelry and gold glitter on her shoulders.  Another bridesmaid wore a beautiful black dress embroidered with gold, which she obtained in Israel.  The reception site was decorated with beautiful wreaths of dried flowers in glorious fall colors.  Adding to the harvest theme were the menu items which included pumpkin bread with apple butter and baked apples for desert.  The children (many in costume) were invited to the dance floor for the Monster Mash before the couple left for the Bahamas.

 

 Classifieds


 Lost:  Reindeer with very shiny nose.  Answers to the name “Rudolph.”  Please contact Sclause@northpole.org.


Wanted:  Peace on Earth, Goodwill Toward Men


For Sale:  Texas snowman.  Kit includes carrot nose, coal eyes, and top hat.  Just add water.


Personal:  Single Grinch Male seeks female Scrooge.  Must hate Christmas, the whole Christmas Season.  Will share spacious cave near Whoville and carve the Roast Beast.  Bah-Humbug spirit helpful.


Free to Loving Homes:  Holiday cheer, merriment, hugs and kisses.  Unlimited quantity.  Will share with all who respond.  Contact Mark and Sandy Morris.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!