Merry Christmas!!

Hi again! Just got back from our trip out. The kids wanted to show everyone they were having a white Christmas - of course at 12,000 feet, sometimes you have a white Labor Day as well! Know that we are thinking of all of you during this time. We will add video and pictures from our trip after the holiday.

19 on the 19th!

19 years ago we were married. 19 years, wow, so amazing. Before we got married my grandparents celebrated their 50th and now my parents recently celebrated their 50th. It's amazing what can happen is 19 days, much less 19 years. Two kids and two continents later, we know we are where we need to be. Right now we are so thankful for your constant thoughts of us and during this Christmas season, the way you so freely give to us. I stand in awe of so many of you who do so much more than I could ever dream of and yet view us as 'special'. From Sunday school teachers, leaders, family friends and family members that so greatly impacted me growing up to those leaders, partners and mentors who challenge me today.
When I thought about writing this one, I was excited. How easy is it going to be to write about my marriage! But as I began to think about all the people who literally poured into us over the years, I thought - no way can I come close to saying what I need to say. I want to merely finish this by saying He is good, all the time.

In the morning, we head to an orphanage to celebrate with them. Be with our travel - several hours, as well as the college students going with us.

In Him.

A little fun...

We will celebrate this season, but the amount of food will be very different. So, if you don't mind helping us out by eating the way we can't, we'd appreciate it!

Holiday Eating Tips

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving sausage balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. It's something we do not have here - and we miss it! You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two or two dozen. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do NOT have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.

This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Pecan, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, and it's fun! It's tasty and it lasts - not that I would know as I put it away quickly.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Surgery went great!

The little girl on the left is 9 years old. Since birth, she has had a heart problem. Living at a high altitude has not helped at all. The father has driven for us several times as we've gone out. He and his family have become family members through this. Though there has been a little problem throwing down idols, they have grown greatly. The surgery was going to cost about $5,000, a huge sum. A foundation was going to help, but even with that help and the generosity of family and friends, the surgery was still too expensive. With three holes in her heart, the parents were a little depressed. Through a random (okay, not random to HIM!) meeting, a 'family' heart doctor agreed to help - at no cost. The surgery happened, the girl recuperated, and now they are home. She is running, jumping, smiling and most importantly - singing praises to Him. They came to the house before they returned home. As she was playing with some of Anna's dolls, she began singing a P&W song to herself! A blessed sound. With all of her newfound energy, the parents might have their hands full!