Christmas newsletters

Love them, or them? Braggadocio or cute? Newsy or in need of an editor? What do you think of Christmas newsletters?

We still regail our 37 closest friends and relatives with one. We received some lovely and creative letters. One was a newspaper-like paragraph on an event for each family member. Another was a brainstormed list of family values. I love to see multiple pictures of the family in action. I feel like I'm getting a view through a window into their lives. Sometimes that window is cluttered with travel logs or details about ballet and city-league kick-ball, but often there are clear spots where personalities and defining details shine through. I skip any parts that bore me. So feel free to skip any or all of the following.
Christmas 2008


Warmest greetings! Here's highlights of how we've been busy and blessed:
Gideon (5) started kindergarten and is talking more. He likes reorganizing drawers, hiding things, and smiling.
Erik (9) gives huge welcome-home hugs. He earned his Wolf badge and World Conservation award in Cub Scouts. He plays U10 soccer, and was 3rd in the city 200 yd race.
Zachary (12) was ordained a Deacon and earned the Life scout award. He plays trumpet, and shuns publicity. He and mom are taking a Chinese class together
Esther (15) is a dedicated and successful runner and student. She went to Steens mountain running camp and EFY with Emily. She enthusiastically plays indoor soccer with dad and Zachary. She passed Driver's Ed and is a licensed Life Guard.
Emily (18) took 3rd in state in the1500m run. She’s now a freshman running for OSU in Corvallis, majoring in biology. She went to Washington DC with Pam where she was sworn in as president of the Oregon State Society of the Children of the American Revolution. She looks forward to parting with her tonsils in the spring.
Pam completed her term as president of the Jackson County Medical Alliance. She is vice regent of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Senior State president of the Oregon State Society of the Children of the American Revolution. She completed Boy Scout Wood Badge training. She and Neil served as a Ma and Pa for a Pioneer Trek. She is webmaster for two goups. She continues playing the piano for primary and leading a den of scouts.
Neil climbed Mt Hood with Emily and Zachary. He set the course record at the USATF national 100k trail championship. The family traveled with him to St George Utah to see family and watch him limp through a marathon. We also had great family gatherings at Silver Creek Falls, Camp Alpine, Waldo Lake, and Bend.
We are grateful for every good thing in our lives. We wish you the Joy and Peace of him who’s birth we celebrate at Christmas.