Liz and I made a decision this year regarding Christmas.  We decided to take part in something called the "Advent Conspiracy".  I linked to a video below if you are interested.  The organizations we are giving toward this year are Living Water International and The International Justice Mission..  More info is available at www.adventconspiracy.org I realize that it's probably late in the season to consider something like this...but maybe for next year.  Also...I'd encourage you to think of ways to turn the focus towards others in need during this very hectic time, even if it's just forgoing one gift in order to give in a small way.  I'd love to hear any ideas for how you and your family focus on others during the Christmas season.

Our family had the opportunity to take some time away this month, and we had a wonderful trip.  Our church sent us to the National Youth Workers Conference, which was held in Nashville, TN.  This conference is put on by Youth Specialities, and I have found it to be a refreshing mix of challenge and encouragement for my ministry.  The conference is made up of large general sessions and smaller workshop sessions.  The main session speakers were awesome.  My personal favorite was Francis Chan, who spoke about the true ministry of Jesus, and how it was never truly popular or "large".  Too often we measure "success" in ministry by size rather than by effectiveness.  Liz and I both got to attend various workshops.  I really enjoyed getting to go to one led by Dan Kimball, who is one of my favorite authors.  And the music wasn't too bad either...we had times of worship led by guys like David Crowder and Lincoln Brewster.  Although, I came to realize that if I went to Lincoln Brewster's church, I don't think I'd be very "worshipful".  I'd be more focused on his God-given guitar playing...which is AWESOME.  Here's a clip below from the conference.  (I would have recorded speakers too...but it's just not as exciting of a video clip...)

The conference was held at the Nashville Convention Center, so we got to stay downtown, which was slightly sentimental for Liz and I.   The night we got engaged, we had eaten and walked around downtown Nashville. So, for old times sake, we had a dinner together at Demos Restaurant and reflected back on our lives together.  We had fun walking around the downtown area, even though it was cold by Nashville standards.  (we didn't feel that sorry for them...guess a few winters in MN takes away your sympathy toward those who find temps slightly below 40 to be cold).  Jameson stayed with us for the first couple of days of the conference, and then he spent the night with my parents (his first over-nighter!).  

Once the conference ended, we were able to visit with my parents over the thanksgiving holiday.  We had a great time catching up with them, and they had a great time spoiling their grandson.  We were able to see my brother Matt play guitar at the Tennessee District Youth Convention with the band he is in called "JLee".  They rocked the house!  While we were staying with my parents, Jameson had another milestone...he began eating baby food!  Needless to say, if it has anything to do with food, we don't have to worry about him taking to it or not...

Thanksgiving Day we got to see many of the members of my mom's side of the family, which was fun because most of them had not met Jameson yet.  We opted not to brave the crowds for Black Friday shopping this year, but we did spend the evening putting up the family Christmas tree.  Jameson was a big help, as you can see below. All in all, we had a wonderful time away.  Lots to think about in terms of ministry, and memories to smile upon as a family.  We're so thankful for our church sending us to the conference and for the relationship we have with my parents.  We hope your thanksgiving was a special one as well!

We got home just in time to see some snow begin to fall and to be greeted by our dog Kirby.  Jameson is fascinated with dogs, and he was especially excited to see Kirby again..

Jameson has been pretty busy over the last couple of months.  Here are some highlights...

Olympic Focus from Matt Underwood on Vimeo.

Its already been weeks since my last update on our J-man and Underwood life.  Last week we were happy to welcome Ryan's brother Matt for a long weekend.  While he was here we brought him along to meet my extended family to celebrate Nanny Plante's 70th birthday.  He and Ryan also led worship together Sunday morning at church and put in many creative hours on an Olympic video for Ryan's upcoming sermon series.  The combination of their creativity is... well.. it leaves me speechless.

Jameson was quite content with the extra attention from his Uncle Matt.  He loves to interact and "talk" with people.  When he first wakes up in the morning (and before he thinks about breakfast) he is so happy and interactive.  I have to tear myself away from the little charmer. 

On home news.. tomorrow we take on the project of painting our house.  The supplies are on the kitchen counter awaiting many hours of work ahead.  We are hoping for a content baby and good weather.

 

The last couple weeks have been monumental in Jameson's life.  He started daycare three days a week, has been sleeping the night... well seven hour stretches, and he has moved into size 3-6 months.  One of the teachers at daycare told me Jameson is enamored by the music teacher there.  "Mr. Abe" comes in each morning to play his guitar with the babies.  Jameson gets very excited and tries to sing along!  He is laughing and trying to communicate more than ever.  We are nuts about him!

We are counting down the last hours until Ryan returns from a two week youth trip to Mexico City.  The anticipation is great!  I think Jameson must have an idea of what is to come.. he hasn't taken a good nap yet today.  The unfortunate part of youth ministry is that Ryan is gone from home so much.  In the past summers I've been working while he is away.  This year was different as I'm on my last weeks of maternity leave and have little Jameson to keep me company.  We spent the first week in Nashville visiting Ryan's family and introducing Jameson to Ryan's grandmothers and brother Matt.  Jameson was a "peach" to travel with.  He was awake for both flights but was content.  We have started looking at books.. which helped a lot.  At this point he is just excited by the bright colors and sound effects that mommy makes.  It was wonderful to spend time with the Underwood family. 

I only have one week left before I return to work.  The feelings are mixed.  I feel really good about the daycare we've chosen.. but I still know it will be a challenge for me to transition back to work and leave him.  (I'm glad Ryan will be doing the morning drop offs). 

Here are a few family pictures Cati (one of our former youth) took for us this month. 

 

The upside.. Jameson is a wonderful baby and is communicating so much more now!  I need to get better at updating our blog.  He has lost the new infant look with the fragile limbs and new cry which have been replaced by chubby legs (with rolls) and a cry that sounds like he has had some practice at it. One of our favorite times is playing on the floor between feedings.  Jameson loves to stretch out and interact.  The best part is his smile!

I wish we could get a more consistant sleeping pattern at night.  We'll go anywhere between 3-6 hours. The 6 hour stretches are incredible! Obviously, it's harder to function well the morning after the 3 hour nights... which included last night.  I'm just trying to remind myself that he'll be sleeping the night before I know it and I'll miss these times of getting up when everyone else is asleep to feed my little boy. 

 

He has made his entry into the world...at last.  Born at 8:19pm on May 28, 2008.  7 pounds, 10.5 ounces.  22 inches long.  There's no way for me to express here what it feels like to hold him and know that he is my son.  It was a long day yesterday, but he came.  My wife is the single most amazing person I know for being willing to go through what she did.  I am simply in awe.  We'll write more soon, but for now here are some pictures...