This is the letter I would have put in our Christmas cards this year. I thought I'd save a couple trees, but not all of them. I still sent some cards (I bought a pack of 50...if you didn't get one it's because I have too many cousins), I just didn't print a letter and fold it into them.

The boys helped me with the cards this year. They traced, cut, peeled and pasted. It was a blast to watch their importance growing in their minds as they worked. They are already important in my mind of course.

I was trying to keep them simple, but I can't resist at least hinting at the little bits of affection I feel from the Holy Spirit this time of year. His reminder that the nearness of the Savior is my only hope of goodness and what joy to know that He is indeed near. How sweet to hear the ringing of familiar carols from childhood in my head as I thought about His presence. How many Christmases have I asked for His nearness in these lyrics? "Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay..." He does draw near, He does stay and He is the fulfillment of any good I dare to strive for.

I am pretty sure that I say this every year, but it has been a good year. The ups outweighed the downs, but even the "downs" always prove to be "ups" in disguise.

This year, in addition to our Sunday school class, Kris and I were asked to teach the pre-marital class on Wednesday nights. We have wanted to do that for a long time and were a bit giddy at the opportunity. The subject of strong marriages is one of our favorites. We do not take it lightly and wish for all couples going into the commitment to have the truth of the arrangement spelled very plainly to them. So many mountains could be hills with the right perspective. So many valleys could be places of growth, with the right attitude. We have had a great time conveying the little things that most couples are too dizzy in affection to consider on their own. What a delight to see them look at one another with questions in their eyes. "Do you expect me to work once we have kids?" "Do you think it's okay to have a separate checking account?" We try to get them thinking, asking and looking at marriage a little differently.

Owen started 2nd grade this year. I know I shouldn't brag on him, but I just marvel at his thoughtful and insightful ways. He is a joy to parent. He continues to grow like a weed, I have trouble keeping him in pants that are long enough. He is also continuing to enjoy books. Last year at Christmas we bought the first 6 Hardy Boys books for him. He is now on book 37 and has also read many books from the school library in between those.

Ivan started Kindergarten. What a change that has been. He has shown us so much growth and maturity in this first half of the school year. I think (know) he has frustrated his teacher a few times with his insistence on taking his sweet, sweet time with his work, but she has also spoken of his charm and sweet heart. I am thankful for her understanding and wisdom as she has come alongside us with Ivan. His wit is an absolute delight to me. He is very clever and funny for a little guy and I get a kick out of it.

Aron, my social fellow, is at home without his brothers. He doesn't like it very much and we have bouts of sorrow and neediness that we struggle with at times. He likes to be out of the house and busy about life. I like to be home and working alone. The two of us are a very unlikely pair and we have had to make sacrifices between us. I take him out more, he plays alone more and we are finding our rhythm. We both anticipate him starting school but I am not sure if we will do it next year or wait another round. He is eligible to attend Kindergarten next fall, but he would start at four and be one of the youngest, if not the youngest, in his class. We are leaving that decision up to God. As much as I want to start him and allow him the adventure he desires, I am also in no hurry to let go of him so young or watch him grow up slightly behind the rest of his classmates. There is a right answer (specifically for us, I already know what almost everyone else thinks about it) and it will come.

Also this year, Kris and I both participated in overseas mission trips with our church. I went to India and Kris went to Kenya. The experiences were amazing. Seeing God move, and realizing that He used me to do it is something I will never grow tired of. Sometimes, images are seared into our minds, sometimes it's a feeling, in India I was ironed flat with contrast, color and humility. It was a rare opportunity and has become priceless to my memory. Souls connected with Christ, lives were eternally redirected and joy and victory were offered the avenue of hope. Kris, too, saw God's mercy and power in new ways. Healing, compassion and insight were offered to hosts of people who had nothing to look to before. We learn to serve and see God filling our hands as we reach out to those in need. In a place of poverty, He offers an abundance of hope. Kenya was brought home in hundreds of photos. The majesty of creation such a stark contrast to the slums outside the city. Kris was enamored with Africa's beauty and will definitely go back if the opportunity presents itself.

And so we coast into the final days of the year with the always bright and jovial holiday to brighten our path. It is my favorite time of year.

I am grateful for the moment we're given, each day that slides under my feet each morning and bids me to walk into yet another series of challenges, losses, realities and victories. I'm grateful that I, that we, my family and I, have a hand to hold. I'm even more grateful that if we look closely, it is that hand that is holding us. Our Lord is so evident in the smallest of details, reminding us over and over that though we cannot see Him, though we cannot feel His arms around us, He is interceding and involved, He is God With Us, and He is very, very near.

Merry Christmas!
Love, The Kelso Family