Christmas 2006

It really has been a while since I've posted and by request I'm gonna. So, to update the past month and a half has been very busy. School is progressing very quickly and we've got semester exams a few weeks after Christmas break is over. Basketball is going well...the guys were 1-1 in the over the river tournament thursday/friday and are 8-2 on the season headed into a difficult month w/faith, high point, interboro, etc. Christmas was fantastic...headed down to Virginia to Stephen & Sarah's. My parents flew in from Indy, & John & Brooke came up from Greenville. Really enjoyed myself and am thankful for the family God has blessed me with. Here are some pics (actually some from while ago & some from Christmas:

Christmas party '06 at Becky's: Back row (Luke, me, Derek) & Front (Jaime, Becky, & Sharon)

Stephen & Sarah in front of their quaint little home in Portsmouth

The Branine/Schmidts on Christmas Eve

Stephen reflecting on his enthusiasm for a mix of dried fruits medley

Mom pouring PopRocks into Dad's mouth (all in his 'stache)

John & Brooke with their glasses & later matching t-shirts...the Schmidtz.


Stephen & Sarah's dog, Calistoga enjoying/eating her Christmas present (rubber and all)

Norfolk Botanical Gardens light display ('shroom & gingerbread man)...good times after Christmas.


Next: the Chrysler Museum of Art...very nice for its size! Including some works by major artists including the latter one (if anyone appreciates it...great. Gianlorenzo Bernini's final work is contained there: Bust of the Savior....amazing...one of the foremost baroque scupltors...anyway, moving on.


Lastly: one last parting shot of Norfolk from the Chrysler museum...good Christmas, relaxing, and good burst for 6 more months of school!

A Belated Merry Christmas to all & an early Happy New Year!

Christ, by highest heaven adored
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th' Incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel.

Come, Desire of nations come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the Woman's conquering Seed,
Bruise in us the Serpent's head.
Adam's likeness, Lord efface:
Stamp Thy image in its place;
Second Adam, from above,
Reinstate us in thy love.

Hail, the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,