Merry Christmas from California. I am writing this from my parents house while sipping a cool refreshing beveredge.

We’ve been in Cali since Friday and are having a good time.

However I only brought one pair of shorts, so I’ve had to wash them every day. Why? BECAUSE IT’S FREAKIN 80 DEGREES! That’s why. Somehow it’s just not christmasy when you see Santa surfing in H.B. (Huntington Beach). And then you see all the people trying to look cold. I must laugh at the girls wearing their Ugg boots and short skirts. I also snicker at those people wearing long pants and sweatshirts with the hoods over their heads. Oh and a beanie under the hood. Come on, it’s not cold. It’s been in the mid to upper 70’s.

We did the present thing, this morning. It was hilarious. Almost like watching Ralphie and Randy from A Christmas Story. Ganoosh was constantly exclaiming “That’s mine….. that’s mine….”. I was waiting for the “OH WOW! A ZEPPLIN!” But since we didn’t buy her one, I was pretty sure she wouldn’t say it.

Liana ended up with a pony this year. This is that pony you may have seen at Target. If you haven’t, it may have been due to all the kids that were playing with it. You can feed it, pet it, groom it and even “ride” it.  It’s interesting, all the sensors that are in it and how it responds to a myriad of stimuli. (yes I did write that, remember I am enjoying beveredges). Now the issue is trying to fit it and everything else into the family truckster.

Oh and this family truckster is Anna’s present. The 2008 Toyota Sienna. Just shy of fully loaded. It is a great travelling vehicle. Plenty of room, DVD player, GPS navigation, 15 cup holders (still not enough) and heated windshiled wipers. It drives so sweet and we love it.

Everyone made out like bandits for Christmas. I got to see my family, Anna got to get out of town, the kids got more stuff than they realize and my parents got to see their grandkids.

This year I think more people were in the Christmas spirit. I say this because even at the liberals “Mecca” (aka Starbucks, a place I try to avoid however they have taken over all the good coffee shops in So. Cal) I was wished a “Merry Christmas”. WHAT?! Merry Christmas from the place that has these little quotes on their cups that sometimes say things just shy of ‘Religion is the opiate of the masses’. I was in shock. However I smiled and said it right back and as I left I turned and said “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” loud enough for all to hear. I wonder how many thought I was about to blow the place up?

We will be making our return trip tonight. We have realized that even though we have a DVD player to keep the kids entertained, SLEEP is much better at keeping the children quiet.

In closing, I want to wish all of you, who read this, a Merry Christmas!!!! I hope you have a great day and reflect on what this holiday is about. The joy, the happiness, the politeness and the Christmas spirit does not have to end tonight. 

Peace, Love and Joy from the Lord Jesus the Christ to you and yours. May God Bless.