If you are wondering why we have not been posting a lot of pictures of our new little baby Chalice and our family recently, it is because we lost our NEW camera! I purchased a nice digital, and we think Joel has decided to save it for college. It’s nice to blame the kids when we lose things. I have a digital camera I use for work, so I bring it home from time to time to shoot a few pictures. I have given up in the camera hunt, so I will probably be looking for a new camera. I do not want to lose anymore precious moments with our young family.

Chismvillagers are doing great! We are so loving our Decemember days in San Diego. Here is a quick update:

Chism Brothers Painting had an excellent painting year, and we “finished” with a company party for all of our employees. We are so grateful for all of our people who continue to provide San Diego with great painting services. I am grateful too to be working with my Dad. I have enjoyed the marketing and business development aspect of the business as well. We are looking forward to a new year with new goals of growing the company.

I also have been continuing slowly with my t-shirt and coffee business: Bean Wear. I have not spent a lot of time and money on the business, because my first priority is my sales job. However, my website is up and running, and I have been selling a few shirts and coffee. WearTheBean.com

Joli has been VERY busy taking care of the kids and our home. It is very difficult to raise two young kids, but she does not complain and is terrific! I had to watch the kids for a couple of hours on Saturday while she when Christmas shopping, and my appreciation for what she does increased by 1000%! She has decorated the house with lights, candles, ornaments, wreaths, sent out a Christmas letter, organized Christmas parties, and continued spending time with her dear single friends in town. I love that wife of mine!

Joel is cheerful and sweet as ever! The past few days, however, he has been a little grumpy. I hope he snaps out of it soon and returns to his normal self! He is so much fun to have around. He loves to dance to the music we play, give us big smiles, break into every drawer in the house, climb on our furniture, draw on the walls, eat things off the floor to name a few of his activities. Lately, we have been enjoying playing Hide and Seek!

Chalice Joy is growing and becoming more alert and sweet each day. She has given us smile after smile and loves to be held! I am not use to having a little girl, but I am loving having my own baby girl. I just have to learn that she is NOT a little boy. I am sometimes a little playful and rough with Joel, and Chalice does not seem to like when I hang her upside down! :o ) Just kidding

We will spend Christmas Eve and the Day at my parent’s house in San Diego. We then leave on the 27th to fly back to Maryland. I bought a DVD player to entertain Joel on the plane this year (or myself?)too. I figured it would keep him occupied! :o )

We would love to hear from you all and how God has been working in your life. We are amazed at His kindness and love to us all. This Christmas season, we hope you all will be reminded and amazed of our Great Savior who humbled himself to become a real man, to live a real life, to die a real death, to really rise again so that we might have peace forever with our Creator. The Christmas story is real, and we hope you all will be blessed as you embrace the Christ!