Weekend Celebrations

There are lots of reasons to celebrate this time of year; holiday parties, cookie and gift exchanges, many festivities. This weekend we took part in two celebrations that really had nothing to do with the Christmas season.

On Saturday, we went to the home of our friends, Bob and Laurie, to say "Bon Voyage and best wishes" to Emily who left on Sunday for Africa where she will be married on December 27. We would all be very sad to be missing Emily's wedding except that as soon as her husband gets a visa, they will have another ceremony and party right here in our little corner of the world.

Not only was this cake clever, it was really delicious. We all use the same "cake lady" and she never disappoints us.

This gathering was just a few close friends and family members. It was a really nice way to start Christmas week as well as show our love to Emily.

Sunday was a whirl wind day. In church, I did the Children's Sermon with the lighting of the Angel candle. It was such fun. The children are darling and so excited for Christmas.

We skipped Sunday School and went to breakfast at our local restaurant where the owner always serves "Bailey's Irish Cream" with coffee to those who care to partake. I had my usual Sunday breakfast called "A Spring Morning Sandwich", an English muffin topped with spinach, tomato, over easy eggs and cheddar cheese. It's always yummy.

After breakfast we made a quick stop home to change our clothes and then it was on to the city for our friend Kyle's wedding. Kyle and Christina chose to be married in a special wedding chapel. See, Las Vegas isn't the only city that has wedding chapels. It was a beautiful setting for a beautiful wedding.

The reception was held at a landmark hotel in the center of the city. I didn't even know it existed. That probably tells you how often I go all the way into the city. Anyway, it was a delightfully elegant place for a wedding reception.

Kyle and Christina, both talented singers, entertained with a couple of songs from a recent show in which they are appearing. That was really fun.

The food was good, the company excellent, the atmosphere festive. Who could ask for more? I could. I had absolutely no luck getting a picture of the bride and groom. If you doubt me, just look...

If you look closely, you will see a glimpse of Christina's cape and veil behind Shelly. In the second picture, Kyle is the smiling fellow to the right of the fireplace. I did manage to get a picture of Kyle's grandmothers, both of whom looked lovely.

Here is a picture of Kyle and Christina taken at Christina's shower. They really looked wonderful in their wedding finery. Sorry you only have my word for it, no picture.

Nancy tagged all her readers to list five things they love about Christmas. I really love Christmas so only five will be hard. Here goes:

1. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I can't even begin to imagine my life without Him.

2. Decorations. I just love decorating the house, the tree, hanging wreaths outside. It is such a festive time of year.

3. I know I probably shouldn't say this, but I love the hustle and bustle as long as it doesn't get too hectic.

4. Baking and giving away Christmas cookies.

5. Shopping, wrapping and giving gifts to special people. Even though our Christmas giving has changed some these past few years, I still get such joy out of the gift giving we do.

6. Okay, so I couldn't stop at 5. I just love sending and receiving Christmas cards. We have received so many cards with pictures of friends and family this year. It is so cool to see how the children are changing{the old folks too}.

7. Our wonderful Christmas Eve service at church. After the candlelight service, we go to the fellowship hall and have birthday cake for Jesus. It just makes me happy all over to see our friends one last time before Christmas morning.

8. Don't hate me: SNOW. I love snow for Christmas.

Like most of the rest of you, I could go on and on. Jim and I will have a very quiet and special Christmas this year. We will miss our children and hope that maybe next year we can spend Christmas with at least one of them.

I think I'll post at least one more time before the "big day". I'll keep my Christmas plans until then.

Thanks to all of you who posted your sympathies to all of us in the death of our dear friend, Lena. Today was her funeral service. It was such a time of celebrating the life of a dear Saint. Our grief is only for ourselves and her dear husband. Our joy is knowing she is in heaven.

~Hippo Hugs~