Season's Greetings from My Crew

As editor of the blog, I thought it might be okay to put a little personal note on here for you all. I wanted to share our family Christmas card with you all to wish you a Happy Holiday. This card is a bit different as it isn't on paper. Instead, we started a tradition a few years ago of putting together a DVD of our year in pictures. With many family members spread out across the country, we thought the old adage, "a picture says a thousand words" would hold true. So, I thought I would share our video with you all.

You will notice that there are many photos of Chedner in the video. After a year, he is one of the gang. Ched really enjoys the other boys and is spoiled rotten by everyone in the family. My daughters are Kelly (20 yr, 3rd year at University of Virginia), Michelle (19 yr. freshman at the Corcoran School of Art and Design in Washington, DC) and Caitlin (16 yr. at high school junior). My rambuctious sons are Gabe (13 yr. with Down Syndrome from Venezuela), Ethan (8.5 yrs from US), Pierre (6 yrs from Haiti) and Ched (20 months from Haiti). My husband Jay is an incredible man and leader of this rowdy crew. We are a beach-loving group and there are many shots from our vacation last summer at Myrtle Beach, SC. The scenes from Arlington Cemetery that you will see are from the funeral for Jay's dad this past summer. Our beloved Pa passed away only days before Michelle graduated from high school. He was an inspiration to all of us and was sadly missed at the celebration. The service we held at Arlington was the most moving I have ever been to in my life. As a West Point grad (as is Jay) and a career military man, Pa lived his life by a code that directed his life as one of graciousness, generosity, faith and service.

Well, that's all the basics so you at least know who is in the video. My family is so supportive of my work with Angel Missions and I appreciate all their love and help throughout the year. Jay and I are committed to not just making a difference in whatever small way we can, but to teaching our kids that, contrary to many messages in popular culture, it isn't all about us. God didn't put us here to collect the most toys. He put us here to help others and to make this world a better place for everyone, not just ourselves. As I watch my older girls as adults, I think I can say that we are succeeding, at least to some small degree. Anyway, we hope you enjoy all the funny photos and sweet faces. Oh, got to give credit where it is due...the awesome song is "How You Live" by Point of Grace. One of my favorites from this year.

From our family to yours, we are wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!