Eve 2010

The neighborhood is buzzing with activity. Families gathering. Saw a lady in the Walgreen's parking lot wrapping gifts in the back of her SUV. It's a busy evening everywhere.

We're heading out to church shortly -

The day flew by - spent most of the morning making cinnamon and caramel rolls for tomorrow. 9 cups of flour and we end up with four pans of rolls. That's a lot - but I would have liked to have taken some to a couple friends. Maybe between now and New Years. I am a 'real' baker now who stores my flour in big plastic tubs with lids that hold 10 pounds each. Bread is on my list for this weekend.

After church, we'll drive around enjoying lights.

Most everything is wrapped and ready though there are always quite a few 'last minute' things to take care of. It will be a late night. B. slept until after 2PM - we're not sure exactly what time he got home last night. He'll be up late and required to stay in his room so the guy in red can do his thing as early as possible.

It's Christmas - and it's magical. And as exhausting as it is, I always feel grateful and proud of how we celebrate. The boys insist that church be a part of this evening. I tried to suggest we could go to the morning service - but apparently, Christmas day is a day to just hang out in our PJs and eat too much....the idea of getting dressed and ready for a 10:30AM service was not well received....so tonight it is. I love the candlelight service - it's so beautiful.

This time last year, we had a surly H. with us. Pissed off at having been 'found out' and not at all happy with being restricted to within an inch of his life. He's like a different kid these days - still somewhat surly at times, but it's the normal teenage angst surly - vs. the stoned out of his mind, pissed off and hating everything surly that was last year. Glad those days are behind us. Hope they are behind us permanently.

To family and friends near and far, we wish you joy in this evening and abundance in faith for tomorrow. Jesus is the reason for the season and I'm so blessed to know that. Really, truly KNOW THAT.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Have a wonderful day tomorrow -