Rejected 2014 Christmas Newsletters

So, my first attempt at the Christmas newsletter was shot down, as what I deemed as hilarious was just seen by Lil' Mama as embarrassing.  It has been destroyed.
My second attempt was judged to be boring.  Well, yeah, it was boring, because she made me take all the juicy stuff out!
I challenged Lil' Mama to make her own newsletter, and hers was better than mine, though I'll never admit it.  So, the one by Lil' Mama is the one I'm sending in the mail.  I'll post it later in the blog.  Here is my boring version.  Both will have been altered so that the blog code-names have replaced their real ones.  Obviously, I'm waiting for my photographer to come for Christmas, so I can get good pictures of each child, and a family picture.

2014 Keeley Family Newsletter (Boring Version)

 Angels Among Us

“Oh I believe there are angels among us

Sent down to us, from somewhere up above

They come to you and me, in our darkest hours

To show us how to live, to teach us how to give

To guide us with the light of love” –Alabama

This year we’ve been more and more aware of the angels that surround us each day.  We’ve been so blessed by friends, family and strangers!  Our newsletter will only mention some, and if you are reading this, chances are you became the hands of God in our behalf at some point.  Thank you.  Merry Christmas, friends!

Lil' Mama (16) has always enjoyed phenomenal leaders , mentors and friends.  Choir, drama and her YW youth group have given her opportunities for service, growth, and rowdy-good times this year.

Lil' Mama herself spent a lot of time ministering; as a volunteer at the     elementary school, in service with the NHS, and in her own home.

The very best angels manifest as family, so Liz (20) was truly blessed this year as she found sanctuary with Aunt Claudia, and then Becky and Grandma Keeley.  Her roommates are amazing, and she has felt love from many, many others.  I was touched when her GREAT-aunt sent her money in the mail.  Funny how love’s arrow can hit more than one target.

Sweet P's (8) angel was a sweet retired doctor who volunteered with her all year at school—3 reading levels conquered! She was also blessed by an insightful neighbor with fun dogs and tender friendship. Her many teachers seem hand-picked by Heaven.  She grew by leaps and bounds this year!  Her baptism was accompanied by wealthy, tooth-pulling, family angels.

A math teacher with a fun rug! (See blog story www.jerianna.blogspot.com  “Playing on a Rug”)

A patient, persistent uncle and his man-making job offer. 

Scout leaders who would take a gangly bunch of boys on a life-changing trip. 

This year an army of angels surrounded our boy Andrew (18) and walked him into manhood.

He will soon spend the next two years as a representative of our Savior, proclaiming Christ’s Good News.

“They wear so many faces, show up in the strangest places

To grace us with their mercy in our time of need”

Six year old Little K IS an angel!  She’s full of sunshine and fun.

Cheerful cherubim cluster around to hear what hilarity will surface next.

Little A's angels came in the form of a grandpa who can shoot water out of his nose and a grandma with magic popcorn.  Another grandpa has an endless supply of Smarties.  Becky and Grandma’s new home is an endless source of curiosity; she hopes to visit those angels soon. Friends and teachers bless this little four year-old.  She’s learning to read!

Mr Lamadingdong's (14) scout leader has him this close to Eagle.  Paul has spent hours on his knees in fasting and prayer for his boys, and has been inspired in their behalf many times.  Neither snow, nor sleet, nor hail, nor 13 year-old boys can keep that man from a good campout.  I’m so thankful for Mr. L's angel-father.  The world would be a better place if every boy could have a leader like Paul, and a every mother a son like Mr. Lamadingdong. He’s a hard worker, good friend, and fun to play board games with.

People are drawn to Sarah’s (11) creativity and kindness!  She has mentors in the form of women who serve her and allow her to serve.  Teachers, leaders, and neighbors who act as God’s hands to lift and inspire have carried her through the year. She has started a closed blog.  To follow, e-mail me at jerianna@msn.com.

The new dog, Hotchi:  NOT an angel.

Paul’s still programming at Ancestry.com.  He camps, scouts, skis and hikes like an addict. I’m (Jeri) teaching the 6-7 year-olds at church, trying to organize my life, and feeling so thankful for friends! Student drivers make me twitchy.

  Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the greatest source of love and strength: and we hope you feel His presence this Christmas Season, and throughout 2015.