Christmas Eve 2009

The shopping was complete and all the packages were wrapped. We were going to Lucy's church with her and her family for the candlelight service. (Big Daddy and I are still looking for a church home...) The service was to begin at 5pm and we were all going to Lucy's afterward for an "open house with food" get together. I had offered to bring over some things for the feast because while Lucy is a fabulous cook, she will tell you, baking is not her forte.


Well, baking is my forte, so I made some cookies and other sweet treats, along with some festive, green punch. Beautiful Daughter and I took everything over to Lucy's around 4:30. We were all ready to go to church as Midge, Babs & Ken were meeting at our house to go to church with us. As we came into Lucy's house, both she and her hubby were not even remotely close to being ready!! It made me laugh. Both had to take a shower, shampoo, and shine and both were still putting out Christmas plates and finger foods.

Beautiful Daughter and I left, went back home, picked everyone up, and headed to church. It wasn't too awfully long after the service had begun that Lucy and Ricky came in. They both looked like they had stepped out of a magazine with every hair in place and decked all in red. They looked lovely and the service continued.

We sang Christmas songs and I realized right away that your voice is just like your ability to speak a foreign language...if you do not practice, you lose the ability. And so it was with the high notes. A soprano with range from first soprano to second alto, I hung around the alto parts. Not being in church for the past few months has greatly affected my range. Fortunately, God didn't care. He was just glad we were there, the entire family, with our friends, rejoicing in the birth of His Son.

Everyone at Lucy and Ricky's church was so nice. They introduced themselves and invited us to Sunday School class, church service, and all the youth activities. This is the same church that sent mountains of food to us so we could feed our visiting family as well as eat ourselves after everyone went home. Besides Lucy's family, we don't know anyone else who attends there, and yet, they extended their hand in hospitality and prayed for us daily... Total strangers... Total Christians.

After the service, we went to Lucy's and the food was amazing!! The fellowship was very nice as we were able to chitchat with some of the people we had just met at church. It was a wonderful, easy time of making new friends and enjoying one another's company. Babs and Ken had come with us but Midge had to go on home because her husband was home alone on Christmas Eve, now that their youngest has left the nest. We sampled some of the best food I have ever had and oh yeah...and the punch was fantastic! *smile*

We said our goodbyes and headed home. Our family has a tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve. This year, Precious Son was given a book entitled "Michael Jordan~The Best Player Ever". Of course, being 17, Precious Son believes Lebron is the "best player ever", so it was funny to see his expression as he read the title. Precious Son and I go round and round about who is better...but I think we all know I am right.

Beautiful Daughter opened one gift, as well, however, since she is growing, I had to take her to the mall in order to pick out and try on the Coach shoes she wanted...thus, her Christmas Eve gift. Maybe not so much of a surprise, but she was still very happy to have them. She wore them around the house while Precious Son read up on Michael Jordan. LOL

Time flew by and we were ready for bed around midnight. The days of waking up at 5am to open presents have long since passed. Morning came around 9am for the rest of the family as I had been up since 7, coaxing my young, Tom Turkey into the oven and making restaurant-style potatoes... The menu would be extensive, as my plans for the "best Christmas ever" were still on track.

Precious Son received everything he had asked for including a vehicle. Beautiful Daughter received everything she asked for including a Kate Spade bag which Big Daddy still finds incredible. He does not understand how a "black bookbag can cost $150 just because some lady's name is on it". hahaha Then he began wondering how much money he could make by putting his own name on some stuff and selling it. We all just laughed. I love him.

Christmas had arrived and we were together...in other words, I also received everything I wanted.