Christmas in the Midwest

Here are a couple pictures of my parents with their granddaughter for the first time! It was such a joy to have my parents hold our baby for the first time. Like everyone else, they didn't want to let go. My mom suggested we could leave her in Wisconsin. After eight kids what is one more to raise?




I absolutely love this next shot of grace. Poor girl had to be bundled up like a giant pink snowball every time we ventured outside. The weather wasn't too bad for the midwest but she's been a California girl her whole life!


The next two shots are just a few of the pictures we took with the family. On Christmas day most of the extended family crammed into my parents old house in Waukesha, WI for a festive get together complete with tamales, chicken and mole, ham and mashed potatoes, and every other food you can imagine. Truly an eclectic feast!




These next two shots were taken when we were visiting Chicago before Christmas. One of the coolest kids I've ever known, Alex Mrakovich, hung out with Jenn, Grace and me for the day and we ventured down to the Miracle Mile on Michigan Avenue. The weather was amazing for December in Chicago and the streets were packed with shoppers.




That night one of most amazing musicians I know put on a concert in downtown Wheaton. it was a great time to see a bunch of the guys who were in my old youth group from Lombard Bible Church. Most of the guys in the pictures I've watched grow up from grade school to become godly young men walking with the Lord and ministering in local churches. I don't think there is a greater joy as a pastor than seeing people you ministered to continuing to walk with the Lord.




The next picture is of one of my best friends and his wife, Jason and Megan Mkrtschjan. Jason was the best man at my wedding in 2004 and I returned the favor last year. He is an amazing musician who has a phenomenal new album coming out in just a few weeks. Look for one of my future blogs to feature his new album and links to listen and purchase it for yourself!


The following picture is Jason's mom, Cheryl with Grace. She insisted I take the picture and put it on my blog then changed her mind after seeing it. Oh well, I already said I would so here it is Cheryl!!! Ha!


This couple have been my friends and mentors for the last decade. Gus and Marge have been a home away from home and they have shown me love and fellowship throughout the years that goes beyond description.


This next couple, Paul and Diane, along with Jenn and Grace are another special couple to me. When I first moved to Lombard they welcomed me into their home and family like no other couple I know. They are an amazing couple and have truly been an encouragement and inspiration to me. Their son was born extremely premature over 22 years ago and has grown up to become a good man and a good friend.



Finally, here are some Chicago shots. Again the best of the 200 plus that I took. These are all on Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago. There is no other city in the world like Chicago. New York may have Broadway and L.A. has Compton, but Chicago is my kind of town. (Only you Californians are going to get the L.A. comment)






That's all for now. For those of you actually reading this, one other thing. After much prayerful consideration and discussion it was decided that Jenn would continue to be a full-time mother and shortly before Christmas announced officially that she would not be returning to work. Continue to pray for us as we make those adjustments financially. Thanks again for your interest.

Please leave comments if you read this. I'd love to know who's looking!