Merry Christmas! (the holiday that I celebrate...)

I laugh when I hear "Happy Holidays". I know that for the better part of my life the only "holidays" were Christmas and New Year's. It's funny to hear people explain why they say "holidays" instead of "Christmas"... "I didn't want to offend anyone by saying Christmas"... I'm offended that you didn't say Christmas. Which holiday were you celebrating? Kawanza? I'm not that ethnicity. I'm not actually Jewish, but I do serve the Jewish King of kings and Lord of lord's. I celebrate Christmas... Thanks for reading my mini rant... now for what I wanted to say...

Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas! So many of you have sent cards or pictures and encouraged us to do the same. We intend to after the 1st of January... but receive from us a warm and genuine "THANK YOU!". We so appreciate your friendship and for so many, the prayers, that you've lifted for us.
We still need your prayers. I'm at a cross roads of sorts and will need to see what God would have us do. Some interesting things have come to light and more than anything I want to hear God's voice and be obedient to it. I've been reminded that if I seek first His Kingdom that He'll take care of the rest. So I'm seeking the Great One who became flesh and pitched his tent under our skies that we would have hope.

God bless you all and MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love,
Lonnie, Amy, Caleb and Joel

Caleb turns 5!

It just seems like yesterday when I, a new dazed and confused dad, followed a little 9 lb 2 oz baby to the nursery. I remember the next morning when they brought him in and we saw him struggling to breathe that it seemed our joy would be dashed upon the rocks of tragedy. Later we learned his lung was punctured and he would need to be in an oxygen tent for a few days while it healed up, as well he would be put on antibiotics for 10 days... Amazingly enough after that speed bump he's been fairly healthy since (other than an occasional cold or flu).
In the picture Caleb's excited about his 3rd remote control car. (Yea it's #3... Joel likes this one because it has wheels that light up, so maybe Caleb can share.) In the other picture Caleb's standing in his new Larryboy PJ's (he likes them, but said "Spiderman is better." Sorry Veggie Tales...) next to the Thomas the Tank cake... not Buzz Lightyear (another favorite), but it did the job, this year... better not make that mistake next year or I may be disowned... Nah!!!! I'm still his favorite . I can't believe it's been 5 years now, but it has and I'm trying to enjoy these moments. Hopefully ya'll are enjoying them with me. God has been so good to us... we didn't even know if we would have any kids...
I pray every night with Caleb and for Caleb (Joel too...) I know that his future is shaped by the faith he sees lived out. I believe God has amazing things planned for this little boy, if you don't believe, as my mom says, "you just hide and watch!".

Gala Ball then snow...

We are officially on the march toward Christmas with 7 days till Caleb's birthday and Christmas at 9 days... Being that time of year we started our Christmas (note that is the 'holiday' I celebrate) season with Aunt Jodie's (affectionately called GoGo) Gala Ball. Here are a few of the pictures of the boys and Amy and I. We all had a good time watching the boys dance and visit with Santa, etc. Enjoy the pictures!
Lonnie