Our Christmas

Only 3 times in the 11 Christmases we have had in Oregon, have we stayed home (here in Oregon). Ususally we plod out to North Carolina, South Carolina, New York and or Florida. This year we stayed home. We have had two weeks of major chilling. Just a lot of family time and play time. I am not sure how Jeanne-Ann and the kids will handle it when I go back to work! haha.

During our break we have done several fun family things. One of the big highlights, besides gifts (I'll share that later) is our Christmas music video... enjoy.




and our "card" that shares the highlight stuff of the year.

~~~ Merry Christmas to you ~~~
Another year and here we are. A few
highlights to catch you up on what has
gone on in our world this year.

Kynzi – She loves 1st grade at Forest Ridge where she is part of the charter school program. This summer was filled with soccer games. She is really looking forward to starting gymnastics after Christmas. We continue to see Kynzi’s heart for others in the way she interacts with them. She is a Sparky in Awana’s and loves memorizing Bible verses.

Karston – Kindergarten has been a blast for him. He is also playing soccer after having spent the early part of the summer playing tee ball. Anything active is pure joy for him. He just lost his first tooth and is really excited to be like his big sister. He is our prayer warrior. He prays whenever he hears a siren. In case you are wondering, Karston prays for everybody, so you are covered on a regular basis. He is a Cubbie at Awana’s and is really enjoying coming home with new songs about Jesus.

JA – After years of staying home with the kids and working part-time at Sylvan Learning Center, Jeanne-Ann just renewed her Oregon Teaching license and plans on subbing in late winter. She started BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and is enjoying the study of Romans. A highlight for Jeanne-Ann was going to Thailand with Erik for a business conference.

Erik – Still surfing as often as possible, which is never enough. He is back to playing on an indoor soccer team. During one weekend Erik, Kynzi and Karston all scored goals for their respective teams. After Thailand, Erik took a trip to West Africa as part of a video team for our national youth conference in the summer of ‘07. A dream came true as he was part of a team who co-authored a book called “Inside Out Youth Worker.” You can get your own copy at erikwithak.com.

Serving Him,
The Williams

Pursuit of Happiness

Jeanne-Ann and I went to see this film tonight. You know the one with Will Smith and his son Jaden? It was awesome. I think the two things I liked the most were 1) the relationship between the father and the son and 2) the emotion that sat just below the surface on Will Smith's face.

The relationship. As a father I am often intrigued by father/son relationships in movies and on TV. Often a father expresses his love by tussling his son's hair. Sometimes a hug, rarely, if ever a kiss. Early in the movie "Chris" kisses his son "Christopher" on the lips. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is to me. I know that doesn't happen when you get older, but as a young boy it is totally normal. I understand why it doesn't happen in the movies, typically, that's why I thought it was cool that it happened here, as they are real life father and son.

I enjoyed watching their relationship throughout the movie. It was a very close and respectful one. They both had respect for each other and cared very deeply for each other.

The emotion. Will Smith did a great job in using his emotions. They were the kind that sits just below the surface, but because you are let in on what is going on you can see it deeper. It is very well done. Yes, I cried when *spoiler alert* he was hired at the end and his eyes got red and tears spilled down his face as he shook the hands of his new bosses.

A great shared experience for the both of us.

Oh, and the hippie that was with the hippie chic that stole the bone scanner...was that Tyler of the Amazing Race 9? I looked up on imdb, but found nothing. He had no lines, just held on to the scanner. hmmm...good for him, if it was him.

Friends and Games...a Boggle Rival?

Our friends Becca and Josh brought a "new" game to our game night tonight! MyWord! You flip cards down with different letters and when you see a word you yell it out. First one to yell out a word gets the cards. If you yell out an incorrect word everyone gets a card but the false yeller. It is really fun. Course Becca didn't like my abilities so she was ready to yell "BOAT" anytime it looked like I may see a word. Better everyone gets 1 card than me getting several. haha. Boat girl.

We had fun eating dinner, playing games and eating Death by Chocolate. I love having people over. Especially when we get to play games. I love playing games. Brian, Chele, Patrick and Maria also joined us. What great fun! I am so glad I have friends like this I enjoy. God has been good to me!

My stomach hurts a little from all the Death by Chocolate!!! mmm...