Silence

The church services were lovely and while they extended our 'evening' into the post-midnight hour, it was worth it. After communion, they handed out candles (with protective plastic around the base). Every row had a starter candle from the advent candle (Christ candle) and all the candles were lit. They dimmed the lights and we sang Silent Night. That song took on a whole new meaning with the church dim and only lit by candlelight. It was so beautiful.

We headed out to look at lights, stopped by Starbucks for something warm and found them closed (Buggers!). Thankfully, there's a JITB (Jack in the Box) nearby and the kids were just as happy with milkshakes - yes, I know. It's FREEZING outside - who wants ice cream?? - but they did so that was their 'treat' while looking at lights. Headed home for the Santa Clause watching and got the kids upstairs (protesting) around 11ish. J. and I made a dozen trips up and down the stairs to 'load' the tree.

The boys synchronized their cell phones last night and set the alarms to go off at 7:29 precisely. They headed into the stocking room and that kept them busy until I got up at 8:15. We opened gifts until 9. The boys were surprised and happy with the new computer for their 'rec room' -
(formerly known as the play room but they are too old for that designation now) and THRILLED with the PS3 hidden in the entry closet. I used the 'better get out the vacuum' ruse and opened the closet, pulled out the FINAL package and that's when the actual jumping for joy began. It was in use upstairs within 30 minutes and they love it. Thank goodness for eBay and no, I did not pay an arm and a leg for it. Paid pretty much what I would have paid in the store - the only 'extra' expense was the shipping from Texas, which I happily paid to get it here by Christmas. eBay (for all it's faults and there are many) is pretty amazing in that you CAN actually find anything you want. J. and I decided that we were willing to pay 'up to' an amount that would offset the months of waiting and watching and looking for one in the stores. Got it for less than our 'threshold' and made two teenagers ecstatically happy and the envy of the entire neighborhood.

The blackberry pie is in the oven. The French Silk pie is thawing. Will have dinner (ham, augratin potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes - yes, that's a lot of potatoes but the kids LOVE my sweet potatoes and we only have them for holiday dinners), cresent rolls and pie. Lots of sparking cider and wine will be consumed.

Chloe and Dani each got a new fuzzy blanket, a smaller 'weiner dog' toy and another 'flat' toy. PetsMart finally figured out that most dogs chew all the fluffy stuffing out of the toys within an hour anyway - so now they sell them without the 'innards'. Saves us having to clean it up and less risky for choking, etc. They are in 'dog' heaven, curled up with their 'loot' all snuggly in their new blankets. Too cute.

Hoping your day is merry and filled with family and love, like mine.