2007 Christmas Letter

Every year I faithfully write our family Christmas letter- thoughtfully reflecting on all that has happened in the past year. Next I search for a decent photo of the whole family from the past year. If I can't find one, I drag the kids out and attempt to capture all three smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. Only after all that is done- do I go out and purchase Christmas cards to mail.

By that time- I'm done.

Seriously, I have good intentions- but, it just totally burns me out every year. So this year, I've decided to take a totally new (and hopefully more manageable) approach... I still need to send cards, but our letter will be posted here (I'll post last year's letter as well- since I never got it in the mail either!). So welcome to our new family tradition- the Christmas blog...

Dear Friends and Family-

It's hard to believe that another year has raced by. The kids continue to grow and life in the Silicon Valley has kept us busy!

Teenage Son is now in his sophomore year of high school. He is doing well- his favorite class continues to be wood shop, but he also has an interest in history and enjoys chemistry. He ran cross country this fall and is also active with the youth group at church. The highlight of 2007 was finally getting his own room! He is looking forward to getting his braces off this month and getting driver's license next June (and mom can't wait either!).



Teenage Daughter transferred to our local neighborhood middle school this year. While it has been a big adjustment, she is settling in. It's been a good experience for her as she prepares for high school (Ack! That's next year!). The highlight of her year, was going to WOW Jam in LA with our church youth group in June.

Young Son continues at CMcA, the parent participation school that we have been at for 6 years now. He is looking forward to the one week class trip to the gold country in the spring and enjoyed their three day beach trip at Manresa last September. His main interests continue to be play dates and video games. One of his highlights for 2006 was when Mom won a contest with the Harem Globetrotters. As a result- Young Son served as honorary ball boy during the Globetrotters game in San Jose. He also was able to go into the tunnel during a break in the game to meet the players and get autographs.



J is continuing at his job with the City of PA. He also has continued coaching U18 girls soccer with our good friend, and Pastor, GW. LeeAnn continues to volunteer at ALAG in the missions department and keeps busy shuttling kids to their various activities. A big highlight of our year was a trip to Africa in September. After 16 years of marriage and multiple, but individual trips- this was the first mission trip that we have been able to go on together. Read more about it here if you like...

In other news, we managed to take a family vacation to Hawaii with LeeAnn's parents this year as well as multiple trips to Disneyland. After two pet rats, we have upgraded and now have two kittens who have joined our household. Needless to say- putting up a Christmas tree will be an experience this year!

We hope this finds you all well. Our hearts are with you, as we wish you a blessed holiday season.

All our love,

L, Teenage Daughter, Teenage Son, J, and Young Son (L toR)
Christmas 2007