We’ve really enjoyed our 2006 holidays. We've decorated, shopped, wrapped, eaten, sent gifts, opened gifts, eaten, visited friends, been visited, sent cards, rec'd cards, eaten, sang carols, cooked, prayed, made and rec'd calls from loved ones, and delivered gifts to one of the needy families adopted by our church. We enjoyed the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes last Friday evening downtown, had a delicious holiday lunch with in-town son on Saturday and even managed to get in a movie later that afternoon (The Good Shepherd which we liked very much even though critics weren't thrilled). We took Mother to Christmas Eve services at our church and she seemed to enjoy our friends making a "fuss" over her. She hosted us today for Christmas dinner at her retirement home after which we opened presents and just really spent time enjoying each other. We had a second Christmas dinner with friends in Memorial and then made another visit to friends in Meyerland. It would not be inaccurate to say we 'waddled' in the door this evening. We've been blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. The day was dotted with intermittent calls from other adult children, some of whom we will travel to see over the next few days.

Our pastor, BP, said it best in a recent sermon, "Christmas is a party, and a family gathering day, but it is also more than that. It is also recognizing the presence of God in our midst, for our sake and for our salvation. And salvation is even more than the forgiveness of sin. Salvation brings with it a sense of wholeness and joy, and a desire to live life with abundance and grace."