Christmas Letter

Wow, what a year! January brought with it wonderful and exciting news: a baby on the way. Of course this meant that our lives were going to change. But the birth of our first child was only one of the ways we would experience change during this past year. Jamie began the year being a high school swimming coach, waitress at Applebee’s, and the wife of a vicar, and will end 2006 as a stay-at-home mother, Resident Manager for Hickey College, and the wonderful and supportive wife of a future pastor. Greg began the year as Vicar at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and will end the year as a seminary student adjusting to life as a father. We began 2006 living in a beautiful three-story Victorian home in Seymour, IN, and will end the year living in a small two-bedroom apartment in St. Louis. In April, we will learn which congregation will call Greg to serve as their pastor, and then in May he will graduate. All this means that another move is on the horizon for this coming summer, but a move that we have been anticipating for years!

Jamie continues to enjoy many hobbies which include photography, scrapbooking, card making, sewing, and cross-stitching. Amazingly, she is still able to find time to enjoy these even with the many diaper changes and feedings which also fill her days. While Greg hits the books hard, he maintains his love for all things sports. He is an intramural captain (flag-football champion), and plays on the “Preacher” basketball team. He was even able to work at the new Busch Stadium—including two World Series Games—Go Cards!! Enough about Jamie and Greg, let’s get to the real news!

Naomi Lynn was born a week early, on October 1st. She is such a gift from God, and a pleasure to be around. She is really starting to show her personality—smiling and laughing more and more. Of course, she is changing us as we discover what life is like as parents. She was baptized as a child of God on October 29th, in Wisconsin—a great time of celebration with many family and friends. As she continues to grow and develop, you can keep up with her on the internet.

Even as we experience many changes in our lives, we celebrate this holiday season with joy, knowing that Jesus has come to earth in order to save all people. As we all experience separation from family and friends because of distance, busy schedules, and even death, we are united by faith in our savior, Jesus, that babe born in Bethlehem.
With CHRISTmas joy,

Greg, Jamie, and Naomi