Christmas Letter 2007

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

What a great year the Ward Family has enjoyed. We are so humbled and blessed by the many blessings we’re enjoying – and still so keenly aware that as we’ve celebrated some amazing moments, there are those we love who have endured their most difficult. Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to you – especially this holiday season. And as always, to those who are supporting our freedom all over the world – we stand in humble gratitude to you. There is no way we’ll ever be able to repay the cost you and your families continue to pay so we can “have it our way”– Godspeed!

You really can’t imagine all Jeff and I have learned this year. It’s truly amazing and almost embarrassing to ponder how we ever functioned before we had children to really teach us something. Just look at how we’ve grown just this year…
* You do have to pay more for the jeans with the holes in them.
* Princess Leia was not a Jedi and therefore does not have a light saber (“so neither will you mom”).
* The Darth Vader theme is never to be sung by “grills” (girls) – only boys forever and always.
* Dad doesn’t work anymore – he just goes to the airport.
* Jesus’ mother was “Merry Christmas”
* When your daughter invites a boy for dinner – it’s not considered chaperoning if the parents spend the whole time in the bathroom throwing up.
* We have to keep our money in piggy banks or else Matthew from the Bible will come back and take it from us like he did in Bible days.
* When your son is almost asleep and you go in for one more nighttime kiss – he can immediately pause his dream by touching his finger on his forehead. This is not to be initiated by the parent – only the child.
* Leggings are back – but not the ugly ones (WHAT????).
* Parents should be seen and not heard – or heard and not seen – or better yet both when there are cute guys anywhere close.
* Kindergartners can no longer kiss mommy without their faces turning red, and strange grunts coming from their belly – but waves are appropriate – if not overzealous. Do not blow kisses from the carpool line!
* When you tell your children that we’ll have to wait on the weatherman to tell us when the next snow storm is if you’re not incredibly clear it may be translated -“we’ll have to go see the weatherman at the snow store and get more snow”.

Truly, it’s been an uneventful year at our home. Now, 2008 promises to bring some excitement with the end to Jeff’s assignment in the International Affairs office and a move to another assignment, a move for Abby to high school, Michael will be moving to elementary school and Matti will move to school 5 days a week – I will then be moving to whatever “facility” that’s close by and has a vacancy! But we can talk about all of that next year.

As a final note, if you’ve got a second this crazy season and could check in with the God of the Universe – I’m certain He’d love to tell you how much He loves you; how He created all things – especially Christmas because of His crazy love for you and how He’s got this whole thing under control no matter what. Don’t know what your day or your heart is full of – but only Jesus gives life to this living.

We’re off to find the snow store so we can sled this afternoon between showings of Star Wars. Feel free to check out our blog to keep up with the continuing education of two parents – www.cindyandthewards.blogspot.com – just be sure to leave a comment and let us know you were there and please come see us!

Blessings to you and yours!