Merry Christmas

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Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. It is Thursday afternoon in Iraq on Christmas Day. It is sunny and warm. I'm wearing a short-sleeved shirt today.

Everyone will be proud of me. Except for my 12 days of Christmas presents from my Aunt Alicia and her husband Jay, which had special instructions to be open with each day nearing Christmas, any wrapped presents that were in boxes I received over the last few weeks, I saved! That's right, I exercised enormous self-control. :) So this morning when I got up, I put on some Elvis Christmas music and opened my presents. Kelly, I've already done 9 of the Sudoku puzzles. One while doing this post.

I just had a very nice meal at the dining facility (DFAC) this afternoon and got to visit with some of my co-workers. Wait till I post some of the pictures. You definitely have to give our DFAC workers credit for creativity. There was a 'ginger'bread house made of PopTarts and crackers, and a Baby Jesus carved out of a carrot and the manger was half of a red bell pepper. And not to be outdone by the pineapple skinned crocodile at Thanksgiving, there was an elephant for Christmas! It all brought a smile to my heart and to my face.

Remember how I told you the place where I live is called Motel 6. Well, here is a picture of the courtyard area of Motel 6. I took it just now so you'll see the beautiful Christmas Day we are having and you'll also see what our housing looks like...looks a bit like a Motel 6, don't you think? :)

Last night I attended a candlelight service that was beautiful and I plan to go to the special Christmas Day service tonight. I wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas myself so I recorded a message. I've been having some difficulties getting it loaded. So I'm going to retry in a second post.
God Bless You All and have a wonderful Christmas morn'! Please continue to keep our service members and civilians serving overseas in your thoughts and prayers. It is my honor and privilege to serve alongside our brave men and women in uniform. Don't be mistaken...they make us all look good and they do us proud. Matthew 5:9

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