An explanation and some funny reactions...

So, this year, Shauna and I decided that our Christmas card should be our little family dressed in onesies and fake mustaches in front of the Christmas tree.

Why, you ask? Well, it's simple. We think it is funny, and we aren't normal. Some of you think this was all my idea...well, it wasn't. I equally share the decision with my awesome wife, who not only embraces my weirdness, but makes contributions as well.

Now, most of the reactions/responses from folks have been funny and expected. But, here are the top five responses I find hilarious:

5. "That picture troubled me. I really felt weird looking at you all in your undies."
4. "How could you put a fake mustache on a baby? You and Shauna I understand, but a baby?"
3. "I knew you were going for a 70's look by the way you cocked your head back."
2. "I just hope the fake mustahce didn't hurt the baby."
1. "I think I understand. It's like, satire, right?"

So, to appease any curiosity:
-No, this wasn't photoshopped
-No, the mustache didn't hurt the baby
-Yes, we are all in onesies complete with footies
-It took about 70 tries
-the only editing effect we used was in iphoto to make look it a bit more warm
-that is our actual tree in our living room
-Shauna painted Merry Christmas 2010 on the wall (not really...ok, that was photoshopped in)
-We sent these out on postcards to family and a few friends only...cause we're poor and facebook suffices for most everyone
-this is our third Christmas card (the first was a 1940s looking american gothic golfing motiff, and last year was ugly Christmas sweaters)

If you have an idea for 2011, please send it my way. I am thinking a water feature of some sort.
Merry Christmas.

My how Christmas has changed...

For me, at least. Being a husband and a dad and a pastor certainly brings different perspective.
Christmas sure has changed for me when I look over the past few years of my life. Here's what's going through my head right now:

1. I am a dad (big deal); and I am 30 (geez). I feel like, if I have a "young and cool" card, it should be turned in at this point. But I never had one, so there.
   
2. My church invests in community transformation this time of year instead of artistic expression (or cheesy Christmas musical/cantatas/plays/poorexpressionsofbiblicalinterpretation). I love this. You can see what we're doing this year by watching vids on this channel.
   
3. I am in Baltimore this Christmas. We're going to see extended fam the day after. I am a little sad, but more excited for my first Christmas as a dad to spend with my fam by ourselves.
   
4. I work really hard the days leading up to Christmas. I'm not always psyched about that, but the whole "work hard play hard" thing is great when it comes to playing : )
5. I'm really looking forward to seeing some close friends. It's amazing how much more you appreciate close friendships when there is distance. I wish we weren't so far apart, but it makes me really cherish them when it would be easy to take these things for granted.
6. I get to buy really cool gifts for people I love. Being older does have some advantages.

I hope your time off and your time with family is great. Cherish it. I know I will.
Merry Christmas.