N. O. E. L.

It has been one busy Christmas season in these parts! As a blogger, I have not known where to begin lately, so I thought I would just wish you well with a happy N.O.E.L. greeting update. I hope this has been a happy holiday season for you and yours!

N is for all those notes we hear this time of year that are old favorites as well as new hits. I love Handel's Messiah, Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols, and anything sung by children. (Do you consider Justin Beiber to be in that category? I admit to liking his new Mistletoe song.) We have been to many concerts and pageants thus far. A favorite memory was of young Otto at church whose animated antics reminded me very much of son John's years ago.

O is for opening cards and letters and getting updates of family and friends events and activities near and far. Many of our loved ones have added to their families this year with new marriages as well as births of little ones. Congratulations! E is for eating. Too much, I might add! Those holiday baked goods are doing me in and must be eaten in moderation. As if! L is for loved ones. We have had our first ever E.L.V.E.S. Holiday bash with my sister and her family. We had an early Christmas with our immediate seven. We entertained Wes' staff with a buffet at our condo. Carol and Mark came over for brunch. My co-workers celebrated together at Kim's. Wes had a "Guys" night with the Rholls. We had a smorgasbord and party at my sister's place where party-goers produced 66 pounds of korv sausage. Diann and I have exchanged our themed Christmas gifts. During this very busy, happy time I want to pause to remember those who are not having such a joyous Noel. Peace to Sandi and her family as they face their first Christmas without her Father. Healing to Cooper as he recovers from a bike accident. Comfort to Loren who faces his first Christmas without Rita. We remember Mom and Dad who would have been 90 this year. We think of those with broken family units. We pray for those long for offspring to love. In this Christmas season, may you feel surrounded by the greatest Love of all: the love of a Father for His Son who was born to be a King. EMMANUEL