'Twas the Night Before Christmas

As promised, Matthew was up bright and early on Christmas eve to work on his Lego bulldozer from Uncle Michael. Here he is checking the next step in the building process.

And proudly showing off the finished dozer. He did have a little trouble remembering that is is a Lego bulldozer, and not a Tonka. :)

In the afternoon we again gathered at Nana and Boomie's house for a late lunch and a grab bag gift exchange. The tree looked beautiful, and Nana sure enjoys the new decorating method in which lights and decorations stay on permanently. No watering either.

This little bear angel is another one of her hospital gift shop finds. She moves and sings "O Holy Night." Matthew was not overly impressed. I do think it will be a reminder of the time Ted and I sang a duet at church of that very song. That is, of course, after Ted corrected the accompanist who had started playing another song when it was our turn.

After lunch it was time for the grab bag. The gifts were carefully arranged in the middle of the room. Numbers were drawn to see who would get to select first.

Shylah had the honor of going first, and carefully decided on a bag.

Matthew was number 11, and waited a long time to grab from Shylah. That bag had 10 dollar bills in it!

He carefully counts to be sure it is all there.

Matthew opened a train set from Nana and Boomie. Aunt Shylah helped him put it together, and it was soon running smoothly.

Matthew also received a remote control spider, and after a little challenge in battery installation, David and Adam were soon enjoying it on the entry hall floor.

I think it could be a bit frightening if you came upon it without warning. In fact, I saw a tarantula similar to this one on the side of a building in Haiti. Except it was alive. Fortunately, this one is not.

Our Christmas Eve service at church offered some special activities a 6 p.m., prior to the start of the service at 7:00. Refreshments, communion, and the opportunity to light a prayer candle were among the special things folks could do while enjoying musical selections on organ and piano. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated, and we are so blessed to have Pastor Jimmy Moore here at our church to share Christmas with us for the first time.

A very special part of the service included the portrayal of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus by the Bainbridge family. Baby Adelle played her role well. As Pastor Jimmy said, "Isn't that the most beautiful baby Jesus you've ever seen?" We are blessed to be able to celebrate the birth of our Savior with music, scripture, and the traditional lighting of candles. In the busy days of this holy season, I treasure the chance to sing again of the "Silent night, holy night."

Home from church for soup and sandwiches, stories, and games before bed. Matthew carefully selected some treats for Santa AND a carrot for each reindeer, including Rudolph.

Grandpa read one of his favorites, "The Littlest Angel" as Matthew listened. Then teeth were brushed, prayers said, and visions of sugar plums danced in his head.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!