Snug as a Bug

The COLD is here. This morning was 4 degrees C (that is 40 F). I know my family in the snowed in mid- west right now might be rolling their eyes BUT our concrete flats are as insulated as your garage. Not that I'm complaining-I am enjoying the Christmas, cozy factor.
My two solutions to the cold:
1. Bundle the Babies
2. Fly to California tomorrow (yipee!!)

Is there anything cuter than a baby in a cow costume?!?

How Sweet It Is. . .

Monstrosities

Classy, traditional, understated, simple, elegant. . .not words used to describe Christmas displays in Hong Kong. Each year we watch as the malls try to out- do each other with unique (oh yes), bizarre and down- right ridiculous Christmas displays. Here are a couple monstracities from year's past in the New Town Plaza.


This year the mall closest to our house chose the classy Christmas theme "Molly Bling Bling Christmas Ballroom". Huh? But after living here five years, we don't ask questions, we just robotically stand in front of the display and take a picture on our iphone. Shoot, Josiah's not doing the peace sign- I guess we've got a ways to go in training him in the ways of Hong Kong.

And nothing says Merry Christmas like Hello Kitty in a sleigh

Because I've Got a Thing for Babies in Santa Hats

Here are my two Christmas babies- such a delightful stage (Annette 8 mo, Josiah was 6 mo). Although they are oblivious to the whole holiday, they sure look cute amidst the festivities. Josiah is SUPER into Christmas this year. All day he anticipates doing the advent calendar, singing "Away in the Manger", blowing out the candles and reading Christmas stories. Every night before bed he kisses the nativity scene baby and says "night nigh baby Jeeeesus". Hopefully we are balancing out the material ridicuousness going on around us- more on that in the next post



Sorry the quality is bad on Josiah's, I took a picture of a picture

Here is a photo of Josiah and his best "frienemy" Jack
By the way, I wanted to share with you that Jack's mom, Emily, has a great craft blog Nap- Time Creations. For the month of December she is posting one fun Christmas idea/ tradition/ inspiration a day. Emily is the most "Christmasy" person I know. I'm not sure how she has time to host four Christmas dinner parties, make all of her Christmas gifts, and do this blog while taking care of her newborn and toddler- but she's amazing. Worth checking out here.

Francis Chan- Balance Beam

Francis used to be a pastor in Simi Valley, CA and would speak in chapel from time to time while we were at Biola University. His message of being sold- out for God really impacted Jason and I at that time. Francis is currently traveling through Asia and our school was blessed to have him speak to the middle school and high school students yesterday. Please take a moment and watch this clip. It really challenged me to live for more than my own safety and comfort