Merry Christmas!

This year, we find ourselves reflecting back on 2008 and counting our many blessings. We are extremely grateful for family and friends and hope this greeting finds you in peace this Christmas season. This year was monumental in small ways; not much changed, but watching our children grow and develop brings great joy, each and every day.

While being the world’s best dad and husband (Lauren’s writing the letter,) John continues to teach history at Oakmont High School in Roseville, and is currently the JV Boys Basketball coach (click on the link to read a few recent articles on John’s team.) This season has been busy thus far and has brought with it challenges as well as rewards. He has a great team and is enjoying a successful preseason. John loves spending time kicking the soccer ball with Jacob, dancing with Madeline, and tickling Bradley.

I enjoy being a mom to Jacob, Madeline, and Bradley most of all, and have also continued doing freelance public relations consulting from home. In July, I launched a blog, http://churchtechtoday.com/ to discuss the use of technology to spread the Gospel and assist churches. This is my market niche, and so it’s been fun entering the blogging world (albeit more work.) I also sing at church from time to time, as well as help out in Jacob’s classroom once a month.

Kindergarten, Soccer, and Legos. Jacob started kindergarten in early August at the quaint rural public school about two miles from our home. We pass cows, goats, and even Shetland ponies on our way to drop him off. He has a wonderful teacher, great friends at school, and seems to love every minute of it. Jacob played on the Roseville Youth Soccer Club team for 6-7 year olds with his good buddy, Alec, and had a fun season. The won a few, lost a few, tied a few, and had a great time in the process. Jacob scored one goal during the season and he said it was “the best day of his life.” J He turned six on November 17. A highlight of turning six has been venturing into the world of small Legos. Now his most favorite toy, Legos are everywhere, on every surface. They are masterful creations of artistic excellence (we’re not biased or anything) that seem to have taken over the house.

Princesses, Barbies, and Taylor Swift. At three and three quarters years old, Madeline loves Disney princess anything, Barbie movies (her favorite is “Barbie in the Twelve Dancing Princesses,”) the color pink, and country musician Taylor Swift. Madeline loves to put on Taylor’s new CD and dance around the living room. She is extremely sweet and loving toward her family and friends, full of energy and personality, and is a real girly girl. We have tea parties daily, play ice cream shop, go for bike rides around the block (we stop about 20 times to pick the yellow “flowers” from neighbors’ yards), and perhaps her favorite thing to do is to help mommy with anything and everything.

Jumping, Throwing, and Outside Fun. Bradley is 16 months old and has his own fun-loving personality. He loves to dance like Madeline, just started jumping (he loves to do seat drops in his crib), throws anything and everything all the time (blocks, trains, food, balls, shoes), and loves to be outside more than anything else. He is full of energy, very snuggly and sweet, and has a killer smile and hug.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.” – Isaiah 9:6