Happy Christmas Eve

It has been a wonderful Christmas Eve - at least the evening part of it. The day was spent rushing to get cooking, cleaning and a few errands (on Andy's part) accomplished before all our company came. But, the evening was full of warm welcomes to family and friends, a yummy but simple dinner, reading to the children - more about that later - and some last minute wrapping by the adults.

Our friends the Silveiras came all the way from California, and as it turned out, through a big snow storm. They made it safely, although they ended up coming through Butte and going over Homestake pass - for those of you not in the know, this is the dreaded road during storms, and they braved it and were blissfully unaware of its reputation in Montana.

Also with us is my brother Daniel, his wife and daughter, all the way from the downtown Bozeman area. We are hopefully making a tradition of them spending the night Christmas Eve and us all doing the day together on Christmas. That's Danielle sitting in Andy's lap for the reading.

After dinner was cleaned up (beautifully done by the three Silveira girls I might add), Andy read to all of the children from "The Night Before Christmas." Then, he topped that off with a super hero story, which had all the kids so excited and hanging on his every word. He has a special way with the story telling, that is for sure!

It is interesting to see that these girls, who are in 7th grade (the twins) and 5th grade still believe in Santa, but Jansse (age 7) and Danielle (age almost 5) do not. So, the little kids are busy trying to play along so the older girls won't have the fantasy destroyed. So cute!

And so wonderful to have three older kids who are so wholesome and innocent. It is a complete breath of fresh air. They dress sweetly, not trashy. They have good manners They don't back talk to their parents. They obey on the first request. They laugh! They express so much exuberance for life and so much joy! I am so impressed! Being around them makes it seem so possible to enjoy the preteen and teen years. I pray that Jansse will be a male version of them in so many ways. No need to rush this growing up business. Just take it a little at a time and enjoy! Wow! In this day in age, what a concept!

So, I'm waiting for Andy who is putting together the drum set for Jansse - shhhh! He doesn't have the slightest idea! I don't think I've ever been so excited about a gift for him before. I just know he is going to love it, although it is not something he asked for. For those of you shaking your heads at us for getting drums, listen up: they are electronic, with volume control, and head sets, so we won't hear a thing when he's plugged in properly. And he is so in love with drumming - taps feet on chairs and the floor; drums fingers on every surface; taps pencils on table, desk, chair, head, glasses, plates, whatever; gets pots and pans and wooden spoons out to play along with the C.D.'s. This is perfect for him! Now, if we can just get to bed in time to get up and see his first reaction.

So, I'll close with "MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT"