I want you to know that, in my heart, I started planning the production of our Christmas cards in August. I was shocked and amazed when the congenial clerk at the craft store started laughing at me when I was looking for Christmas stamps at the end of November. Apparently, if I really wanted to make home-made Christmas cards, I would have been dropping my kids off at the pool while I debated over a poinsettia or snowflake theme. Hmmm. Wasn’t going to happen.

So…I thought I’d buy some cards. How hard could that be? There must be some nice ones out there that would do the job. Something meaningful…not too “politically correct”…maybe even something with reference to the Christ Child just to be crazy. Hmmm. Wasn’t going to happen.

Which brings me to tonight. Only five days until Christmas. My last resort. The e-mail Christmas letter. Martha Stewart would not be impressed.

However, I feel this deep need to connect with friends. Over the past few days, so many people keep coming to mind. People I wish we could see more often. People I wish I would just take the time to pick up the phone and call. But, the days keep rolling on. Dance lessons, hockey practices, piano, birthday parties, youth group, school programs…there are very few blank spaces on our family calendar. The weeks disappear, and more often than not, Kelly and I look at each other on Sunday night and wonder if we’re ready to do it all again the upcoming week.

And you know what? We are.

Our lives are busy…yes. Does it get a little nuts around here some days? Of course. Are we grateful? Beyond words.

We have three of the most amazing kids and they keep us laughing every day. Alanna enjoys good health and still serves as an ambassador for the Alberta Children’s Hospital. A highlight for her this year would be speaking at the Telus Skins Game in Banff and meeting Jack Nicklaus among other icons of golf. Adam has written his first novel: “The Chronicles of Super Giraffe”. It’s 72-pages of non-stop illustrated action for a crime fighting giraffe…because you know…if you’re thinking super hero, you’re thinking giraffe. And Lauren…well, Lauren pretty much runs the place around here. Not only is she smarter than all of us, all she has to do is bat those eyelashes at you and you’re putty in her hands. Daddy knows he’s got some scary days ahead of him. We could not be more proud of these kids and we thank God every day for His gift to us.

Kelly continues to be challenged and fulfilled in his role as Behavioural Science Department Head at Nazarene University College. Along with those responsibilities, his expertise has been called upon to work on various national and international research projects…and since research is his passion, these have been wonderful opportunities. With Lauren starting Grade One this year, it means I have begun a new phase in my life. I’ve taken on more contract work as a marketing/communications consultant and I truly enjoy the flexibility of being able to work from home. Kelly and I both turned 40 this past year…a milestone we wear with pride. As part of our year long festival of celebrations, we fulfilled a long-time dream to get to New York City. We went in June with Kel’s sister, Judy and her husband, Steve, and we had a blast. I can not wait to go back.

Our Christmas this year will be at the Canmore Inn & Suites with the Schwartz crew. It will be different being in a hotel for Christmas…but I think the hope is that we will all just kick back and relax. No worries about cooking or whose turn it is in the shower. We look forward to enjoying the mountains and drinking lots of coffee. New Year’s will be with my parents and sister Lori and her family. A game of shinny hockey on Uncle Kent’s amazing outdoor rink will complete the festivities, I’m sure. We are grateful to have family close by to make the holidays so special.

I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Our prayer is that you are surrounded by love, enjoying good health and filled with peace. May the joys and challenges of the coming year take you deeper in your faith and grateful for the blessings of every day.

Oh, and next year…watch for my hand-made Christmas card. I’ll be the one at the craft store in May. Eat your heart out, Martha.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Love,