GETTING OUT THE CHRISTMAS CARD

Well we did it! We sent out our Christmas card this year before Christmas. We took the family reunion picture from the 50th wedding celebration as the inside picture. We had everyone there except for Madeline B. who was in Kenya with a high school service group. We Photoshopped her in, see if you can find her in the picture!

Bryan came up with another great family Cartoon for the cover. He does such a great job almost every year.

This is the production of the year! We still send out 1000 cards! When I was in active surgical practice it used to be 1800. Nobody ever gets off our list by intention even if they pass away!

I used to keep the list and then Mom started to keep a list and the two databases did not jibe. It is so hard to keep track of friends and it has been impossible to keep track of our over 400 missionaries who have scattered all over the globe. It is a bit like trying to herd cats.

Cathy our official IT expert and Becca our CPA got together to try and merge our two lists, deleted all the duplicates and came out with a working list. We then printed all the labels. Then when we had the list, the design and the photograph we got Paul Hatch an d his printing group to do the final printing of the envelopes, printing and folding the cards. It was a big job.

I took care of sending out the European cards and then Mom organized the stamping stuffing, licking the envelopes and stacking chores. Emily came up with some of her kids, there were some of Mike's and Cheryl's
Here are Caroline, Camille, Emily in the back, Annabelle, Natalie, Madeline B. and Emma. We even had Emily Eva 5, lick and carefully put on the stamps. It was such a great and organized effort.

Finally Mom and two of the girls drove to the post office where there were long lines. Some lady said, "Please tell me that all these cards are from a business or charity!" Earlier Mom took the European cards over and there were long lines. A random postal workers whom we do not know saw mom and shouted, "This lady has the best card!" Somehow she must have seen one somewhere. Mom had to stop and open a card to show all the other [postal workers who "Ohhed and Aaahed" while plenty of others were waiting.

When they got back, I cooked 30 perfect Crepes and the Nutella, bananas and whip cream came out till all were very happy. We appreciate the family effort that went into getting out card in the mail.

Mom also got out all the German figures we bought at Kaethi Wohlfart and in Bertchesgaden. The Rauechermaechen are ready so Santa.. look out.

Can't wait for Christmas.. it is such a great time of the year.

Love, Mom and Dad