Christmas Post #7 2009
Oh Christmas Eve, Oh Christmas Eve, how lovely are thy memories!
Busy and beautiful day. Caitlan was out early to join Kyle’s family for ice skating. Brendan, Kara, Ian and I headed into Richmond where Ian did his characteristically last minute shopping while the rest of us braved Krogers for the Christmas Day snack buffet. Brendan is treating us this year. When we got back to Kelley Ridge, we ate sliced pork or turkey sandwiches. I reheated the spinach dip until it was slightly burned but still edible. Brendan and Kara put up the outside Christmas lights (except for our traditional gate lights which were still up from two or three years ago). Ian put up the outside nativity scene. Then they went down for Midnight Mass preparation naps and I headed to the Valley to help Mombo clean up for the Clan stew gathering after 8 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart. Mombo and I entered the church right at the last minute, setting the other Clansfolk into a panic wondering if they had gotten wires crossed and forgotten to pick her up. The Mass was beautiful, and I know Mombo was brought to have such a large group of her family there. Then back to the Hall for Bubba’s oyster stew. He had help this year form Glenda, Brendan, and Ian. The Hall was filled with laughter, gift exchanging, and lasagna and stew eating.
We had to hurry away because my kids opted for their favorite–Midnight Mass. We went to a beautiful service at St. Peter and Paul in Danville and were surprised when Jerry joined us as well. That made me happy. Unfortunately Fr. Tom got carried away with the incense and sent Kara into a coughing fit (not her fault!). BCA, Kara, ICA, and I came back to Kelley Ridge and quickly crawled into bed. KK and Kyle went to the Millers so that they could wake up to see Kamara opening her presents. And to all a good night!
