Merry Christmas

May the stable born, cross-eyed, risen Savior be the focus of your CHRISTmas this year. Many things have happened in our household this year. The most exciting being that Greg has finished being a “professional student” and got a real job! With Call Day in April we found out that we’d be moving south (way south) to San Antonio, Texas. Graduation came for Greg in May and then in June he was ordained at Grace Lutheran in Menomonee Falls and finally the culmination of all his hard work came in July at his Installation as Associate Pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio! Greg truly enjoyed his final year at the Seminary, learning many things from great professors, playing basketball with the Preachers, leading “the Sons of God” to three Intramural Championships as co-captain, and squeezing in one last game of baseball before moving.

Our time before the big move was a little crazy; we flew to San Antonio in May for a two day house hunt, and were successful! With trips to Wisconsin and Indy every weekend of the month of June we thought we’d run our car and little Naomi ragged. But both held up like champs. With Ordination in Wisconsin, Greg baptizing our nephew/godson in Indy, and Jamie photographing a wedding in Indy, we were kept very busy but managed to find time to pack back in St. Louis. It all ended in a very soggy San Antonio as we experienced one of the wettest summers they have seen, but we didn’t care; we were finally home! We’ve already had some fun with visitors to our new home: both sets of parents came to visit and help paint! THANKS GUYS! Jamie’s siblings have come and we’ve also had some friends here. We’ve got room…and we’re good tour guides so come on down!

Jamie continues to enjoy her time at home with Naomi. While still in St. Louis they were able to take some special journeys to the different sites of the city. During that time she also continued to develop her photography portfolio, taking baby pictures, engagement photos, and also a few maternity sessions for friends at the seminary. She was a part of a women’s Bible study with other seminary wives—which allowed her to have a night off from her “bedtime duties,” but also gave Greg the chance for some good old cuddle time with Nay-Nay. Now that we’re settled in San Antonio, Jamie is looking forward to exploring future possibilities with her gift of photography. She has the opportunity to learn from a local photographer while helping him out with some marketing. Officially it is an internship, and will hopefully open up many possibilities for a future in photography. Meanwhile, Jamie loves being home with Naomi, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for our little dynamo.

Speaking of the little lady; she’ll melt you with her smile, and since she started walking in November, is getting into everything. We wonder, however, if she will ever have more than four teeth. She has added many words to her vocabulary, and even “moos” like a cow. She has lots to say and we’re still trying to figure out if she’s speaking English or Chinese! She has captured the hearts of everyone at Mt. Calvary and has made some friends. You can check out pictures and occasional videos of her on Jamie’s blog.

Greg is kept busy with his responsibilities at church. Mt. Calvary is a wonderful congregation, and they have welcomed us with open arms. Currently, in addition to regular teaching and preaching duties, Greg is focusing on building a holistic Christian Education program, expanding the evangelistic efforts, and is exploring the different opportunities for ministry to men, parents, young couples and singles. Needless to say, there are many opportunities for growth, and he is excited to be a part of this exciting time at Mt. Calvary.

There will once again be big news in April, as our first son is scheduled to arrive that month. The "T" name will live on for another generation. Our little guy is developing rapidly, and we can’t wait to meet him! We are trying to explain to Naomi that she will be a big sister, but we don’t think she understands. She just pats mommy’s tummy…but then again, she pats daddy’s tummy also!

Much in our life has changed in 2007, but we continue to thank the Lord that His Word never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Even as we are separated from many of you by many miles, we rejoice that the babe born in Bethlehem unites us all in one faith, and we will be gathered to live together at His second Advent! The celebrations of this season point us toward a day that our praises will never cease—what a day that will be! May the Lord bless you and yours, and keep you in the one true faith until we see Him, and each other, for eternity—Merry Christmas!