Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve morning marked a milestone for our family.  Our kids got to see their first movie in  the theater!  Rouman Cinema offered several free movies as part of Customer Appreciation Day, so Eric and I figured we had nothing to lose.  (We were previously worried about taking Nolan because we thought it might be "too loud" or "too scary" for him, based on how he feels about movies at home.)  But, I gave each kid their own popcorn, lemonade, and candy and they sat and contentedly watched the hour and a half movie.  We saw "The Star," which was an animated version of the Christmas story.  It was cute and funny, and provided the kids with another easy-to-understand version of Christ's birth.  With how well this all went, I think more movies are in our future!

After lunch I headed to church to prepare for the Christmas Eve service.  Faith and I have been doing duets together for the past couple years, and I have to say, it's become a wonderful tradition.  The girl can sing!  Our voices go together nicely and it's fun to have the opportunity to sing some harmony.  I must admit, that though I don't normally get nervous or worked up about playing music, the Christmas (and Easter) services are stressful.  There is sooooo much music that just to have the books organized and the next song ready requires a lot of mental power.  Add in the duets, Elsa and Tatiana's piano pieces, and me and my piano being absolutely surrounded by people who are talking, moving around, and providing a whole host of distractions, and it gives me quite the headache!  However, I do love the music - especially the candelight Silent Night tradition at Trinity.  Listening to all those beautiful voices singing together amid the candlelight is so beautiful.  It definitely fills me up with the Christmas spirit.  

After church, we headed to Uncle Rick and Aunt Debbie's house for the annual family get together.  We enjoyed visiting with everybody and sampling Aunt Sandy's homemade Irish cream, while the kids had a blast playing with their cousins, Emmett and Charlie.  After everyone got something to eat, we began the annual gift exchange.  Things tend to get pretty cut throat, usually due to my husband stirring the pot.  If anyone likes their gift, Eric will make sure to steal it.  This year, Eric even stole a purse from Grandma Ruby, even though it was her birthday!  We ended up coming home with some Margarita mix and a cozy blanket.

Great Grandma Ruby turned 88 this Christmas Eve.  She is spunky as ever and says the secret to her longevity is walking a lot.  Aunt Jackie made her another gorgeous birthday cake and we were glad to have the opportunity to celebrate our family and this amazing woman.  Happy Birthday, Ruby!