Christmas in our new home

Christmas was fun this year--a bit different from any other we've ever experienced, though. Still, it was fun to celebrate Christmas in our new house together. No family was around, so it was just us and a housefull (4 plus Vanessa) of German guests. We had big plans for Christmas Eve day--like going to watch a movie--but the day escaped us much too quickly and before we knew it, it was time to get dressed for church. Then, much to Cami's disappointment, we ended up in overflow at the Christmas Eve service. Still a beautiful and moving experience, but not nearly as cool when you're watching on a screen instead of in the sanctuary. I think we'll reconsider our commitment to the building fund after that!

The disappointment of not being in the sanctuary was quickly forgotten thanks to a wonderful German meal prepared by Laurie Bossert. Sourbroutin (spelling?), potato dumplings, red cabbage, and pecan pie (made by Cami) filled us all up nicely. We gave the 'Bossi' the movie Polar Express for Christmas, and stayed to watch it with the boys. I love that movie--it's true--Santa is as real as you make him, and I still believe with my whole heart.

On Christmas morning, we slept in until our excitement couldn't be contained anymore. Since not a creature upstairs was stirring until nearly 11, Eli and I opened a few of our gifts to each other. Among the highlights for Cami, a gift certificate for an hour-long massage, an MP3 player, clothes, and an after-Christmas shopping trip (which resulted in a beautiful entertainment center for Eli's new TV). Eli got a framed picture of the Gipper (Ronald Reagan) which includes the new stamp and military coin, a laser tape measure (from my Dad), some clothes and books, and the Chronicles of Narnia (all in one beautiful hardback book). He also got a little reminder that his bigscreen TV purchased in November was part of his Christmas as well.

Eli reads aloud from the Chronicles of Narnia each night, and that seems to bring back memories for him. It's apparently a Bremer tradition, as Eli's Dad used to read the books aloud to the boys when they were younger. Even when I first met the Bremer family, Duncan was still reading CS Lewis aloud to whoever was around to listen. For all you CS Lewis fans, I highly recommend going to see the movie at the theatres--everything from the characters to the Narnia itself are exactly as I imagined them when I last read the books in Ms. Dixon's fourth grade Challenge class.

Later in the day, we shared Christmas with our guests, giving Vanessa a German Bible (which was rather difficult to find). Santa must've known they were all at our house, because he filled 7 stockings! Eli cooked up some omelets, and the morning began with a rematch of WWII (the age-old Axis & Allies game). We joined the Maxwell's for an early Christmas dinner, and as always, left there stuffed to the rims! I deviated from my normal spinach artichoke casserole (a Maxwell favorite request), and made the easiest recipe ever--sour cream green beans. I think there is a new Maxwell favorite. Fine by me--it's MUCH easier than the spinach!

Christmas day ended with the continuation of what turned out to be a 10-hour Axis and Allies game! Germany won this time, so I guess we're all doomed until the next rematch!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! I guess the best way to start this blog would be to give you the Bremer Year in Review. Our Christmas letter kind of took care of that update, so I've included it below. And these are just a few of the pictures that made it into the email version of our letter. Enjoy!

'Twas the night before Christmas in the Bremer’s new house,
and each Bremer happy to have the other spouse.
But there’s one extra family member this holiday.
Sorry--no surprises--no little one on the way.

Instead it’s a friend from Berlin, Germany
Come to stay with us through February.
Her name is Vanessa, she’s as sweet as can be.
She’s here to train pentathlon (We think she came to ski!)

To tell her the tales of our adventurous year
Is difficult to explain to her untrained German ear.
But since you all know us, we’ll explain how alive
We really have been in 2005!

We rang in the new year with family right here.
With Mallory and Nick we kicked off a great year.
Garden of the Gods, the Broadmoor, the great mountain views
They saw it all and were highly amused.

January seventh--Cami’s eye operation
No more glasses or contacts—what a sensation!
She’s still working for the City of Colorado Springs,
Writing speeches, columns, newsletters and things.

Eli’s still working on his Olympic plans
And helped himself out with a win at Pan Ams.
He’s training full time—all day, everyday.
All other athletes—move over, make way.

A ski trip in late April, when Eli’s elbow was healed,
Left us stranded in the mountains, our ski bum status sealed.
In the summer, three sets of couple-friends moved away
Leaving our small group smaller and our hearts with dismay.

I guess that’s the nature of young, mobile friends,
But it’s never fun when their time near you ends.
I think we’ll be in touch though for years to come,
Writing and phoning, maybe visiting some.

But the bright spot through this was Eli’s growing passion
For buying houses that aren’t quite in fashion.
He spends long, grueling hours tiling, painting, and cleaning,
Then rents them out (Cami helps with the screening).

We were blessed with a wonderful surprise in June
When one of our renters wanted a second house—soon!
The house that we lived in was right down the road,
And with that, we moved into house-hunting mode.

A neighborhood known as St. Andrews we’d seen
We loved it but it just took too much green.
But to our surprise, God was preparing a place
In this parkside neighborhood we had embraced.

The perfect storm of events occurred
And we ended up with that home—it’s absurd!
The home itself was loved and blessed
and will continue to be so ‘til we’re laid to rest.

In the summer we spent time with Eli’s family,
Little JB and Gloria , Max and Tamsey.
Having a neice and nephew around is fun
Watching them grow up has only begun.

Another broken foot for Eli rounded out July,
And for August vacation, to the south we did fly.
At the end of the trip, Eli drove all the way back
He bought a new toy—a big truck (with a ski rack!).

College football season means we watch a lot of TV.
Vanessa just thinks we’re plain crazy!
But you’ve gotta stay connected somehow,
And what better way than yelling BOW WOW! (Go Dawgs!)

What else have we missed? Ahh, there is a bit more.
Cam took golf lessons. (Duck when she yells four!)
Our church, Mountain Springs, is still close to our heart,
And our small group we host is still a big part.

We’re still busy taking our MBA classes,
Cami’s done in the spring, (if finance she passes!)
Eli’s graduation will be close behind,
He’ll be done in the fall, his business skills refined.

Finally, the holidays are here,
and we’re hoping this letter has brought you some cheer.
We’re always up for visitors,
So give us a call and pack your spurs!

Much love—
Eli & Cami