Santa loves you. And Jesus loves you too.
Part 1


Ok, this headline was shamefully stolen from a 2nd grader at Placerville Christian School who created an over-the-top cool Christmas card for my aunt (the Principal), to take to Ghana when we were there. I wish we hadn't given it away and could scan it in because it was probably the funniest card ever. Designed on construction paper (what else?), there was a beautiful drawing of St. Nick and it said, 'SANTA LOVES YOU!' in large letters on the front cover. At the bottom, in smaller letters 'Jesus loves you too' was added; apparently, his teacher had reminded him of this fact. Then, inside Frosty the Snowman was pictured saying 'Frosty the Snowman wishes you a Merry Christmas!' At the very bottom in what was also clearly an addendum, a Bible verse from Proverbs was written. Hilarious. Ah, the age old battle between our jolly heathen friends, and the baby Savior. Actually, I don't think Jesus would want there to be any battle. While I'm pretty sure His main concern is that we remember how much love it took to give up all the luxury of heaven and enter our world in the humble mantle of infant, I also really don't think He minds children enjoying Frosty and Santa.

For us, this Christmas was wonderfully peaceful and relaxing. It was good to be home from travels and together with people we love. (Although we definitely missed quite a few of you...)

As they frequently say in Africa, 'God is SO GOOD.' 'All the time, God is GOOD.'
Sometimes, like during these nostalgic days, His goodness is very clear and easily felt. Other days, it is more difficult to see, but still true. As my dear friend, Denise and I are learning together, there is some incomprehensible power in declaring it out loud.

On that note, a few highlights from our holidays...


Time with Grandma and Grandpa who came bearing all kinds of fun things, including a beautiful red wagon!





...there's always lots of laughs with these two around.


Grandpa made Audrey homemade blocks--nice and chunky and smelling of real wood And they make a really cool sound when you throw them into a metal bin.


How big our little punkin' is getting...

Aunt Kelly came up and we headed to church...


On our way, we happened to see Santa and one of his elves, on a motorcycle.


...at church


...also at church


...IN church, getting very stir-crazy and needing constant covert-feeding of peanut-butter crackers in order to stay quiet.


This is a weird thing that we have never done before on Christmas: stopped to get coffee on the way home from church (6pm) so that we can stay awake and enjoy the evening. We must really be getting old (or very jet lagged still). In any case, here's to starting our own traditions!

Then, we came home and immediately changed into our pajamas and started preparing dinner--the very traditional dinner of tacos, beans and rice. Yummy!


...to be continued. Must run!