Lovely Noelle

Besides being with all of my children (sans Matthew) this year for Christmas, my very favorite gift was a surprise Christmas Eve song which had been written and set to music by my wonderfully creative children. As we were winding down our Christmas Eve celebration (a sharing of songs and stories), the kids informed us that they had one last thing just for Tracy and me: They had composed a Christmas song called "Lovely Noelle."

As they sang it to us, I marveled at how delightful they all are -- to give us an original Christmas song. Apparently, Marie had written the lyrics, and when they were finally all together just before Christmas, Christian set the song to music (his guitar accompaniment). Everyone sang together with a special solo section for Lissie. And Bryant told me he had the easiest part: He played the ukelele (as a percussion instrument). It truly was lovely -- just like each one of them. I don't have a video or even a picture of them all singing the song together, but I've compiled some pictures of each of them below to remember this beautiful time together. My only wish is that Matthew had been with us too.

Marie

Matthew's Christmas note to us: "I really wish I was there with everyone. Maybe we can all live in a closer proximity in the future. Love you, Matthew."

Lauren

Emily

Christian

Lissie

Lissie and Bryant

And here are the song lyrics:

Lovely Noelle

Bless this Noelle
That brings us together
Lovely Noelle
I'll love you forever

See all the lights
The village is sleeping
This time of year
The whole world is shining

Chorus
Oh peaceful, peaceful
Beautiful, Beautiful
Christmas morn
Humbly, humbly
Perfectly, perfectly
He is born
Christ we adore

It's Christmas Eve
The air fills with music
See the pine tree
Everything is magic

(Chorus)

Bridge
Our Savior, Our Redeemer
Son of God
Our Savior, Our Redeemer
Son of God

Bless this Noelle
That brings us together
Lovely Noelle
I'll love you forever.