Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

It's hard to believe that just a year ago we spent the holidays in Northern Ireland with Sean's family and now it's another Christmas season. The year went by so quickly. In March, Sean completed his first full year at Cummins Power Systems. It's very challenging but has wonderful opportunities for him and he enjoys it tremendously. The job has a few perks for which we are thankful. One of them being a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in May. Ah, the good life! In July we spent about 5 days camping in the Poconos with Marci’s parents, cousins, aunts and uncles. It was so nice to get away and relax for a while. We made a huge decision this year to have a house built in Kissel Hill Commons in Lancaster. At the end of August, we packed up and moved in. We love the space and have enjoyed painting and decorating, making it our own. In October Marci celebrated her 10th year college reunion. It was great to be back on Messiah College's campus and see old friends. She’s now in her eighth year at Brecht Elementary in Manheim Township and still teaching second grade. She’s taken on some roles involving mentoring other teachers in technology projects. Both of us have been busy with our church, Lancaster County Bible Church. Sean has been playing electric guitar two weekends a month and Marci is part of the vocal ensemble for one of those weekends. Recently, Sean was asked to switch one of those weekends to our new Harrisburg satellite campus. It's been a great opportunity to serve. In November, the Steeles (including Mom and Dad) headed out to San Jose, California to visit Glen and Amy. We had our Thanksgiving dinner in their lovely home and enjoyed visiting local tourist spots. Finally, Marci is looking forward to traveling with her mom to see her sister in Phoenix. Lori, Michael and the boys moved there in May and have since gotten married and bought a new home. We miss them terribly, so we're heading out that way on December 26.

That's our year in a nutshell. These and more fun details can be found at our blog http://www.seanandmarci.blogspot.com. There are even pictures for those of you who need them. We wish you a wonderful Christmas and pray God's blessings for you all.

Love,
Sean and Marci

Ahhh . . .

Ahh, I sit here finally relaxed. I made it through a few crazy weeks of working (that means children going slightly crazy because Santa is soon coming), planning a little party, Christmas shopping, wrapping the gifts, typing a Christmas letter to be emailed because I just don't do cards, and taking care of Sean through nosebleeds, vomit and a sinus infection. But I've survived and now it's time for a little R and R. While Sean plays all 8 (yes, I did say 8!) Christmas Eve services, I plan to have some by-myself-time. I probably will throw in a little food shopping and laundry and packing for my trip to see my sister, brother-in-law and nephews in Phoenix. But other than that I plan to sit on my toosh and read a book, drink hot chocolate and be lazy. Ahhh . . . !

It's Christmas Tree Time of the Year

Because of the freezing cold rain, Sean and I deviated from what I had hoped would be a tradition of going out and cutting our own Christmas tree at a local tree farm. Instead we visited Stauffers and, again because of the bone chilling drizzle, very quickly chose our tree, had the guys wrap that netting stuff around it and load it into our car. This year we were able to get a taller one because we have the space for it. So with the tip of the tree dangling out of trunk and the trunk precariously tied down, we headed home with the heater blowing full force. Once we arrived home, Sean wasn't so interested in putting on the lights, so that became my job. However, he whole-heartedly hung the ornaments. Here is the finished product.

So, the Christmas spirit has inched its way into the Steele house. The decorating is complete. Maybe now we should consider some Christmas shopping!