Thursday, December 24th, A different Christmas Eve

We decided to go to the Chapel for Christmas Eve Service today because the timing of one of the services worked out with my schedule. Our church is under construction right now with painting the sanctuary and laying new carpeting. The Chapel is a non-denominational mega church and we know many people that attend there. Well, I think once a year is plenty for us to visit. The bass was so loud, I thought my heart was going to bounce right out of my chest! However, there were several elements of the service that I liked.

After my nap, we had our traditional Christmas Eve meal of Canadian cheese soup, courtesy of Candice's culinary skills.

Also, wanted to share these gorgeous cookies that the girls made:Last year was the first time I tried this recipe and they were a huge hit.

Wednesday, December 23rd, Finally decorating the tree

We had such fun tonight decorating the Christmas tree....at last. We wanted to wait until the kids were home. We had our homemade oatmeal cinnamon waffles for dinner and while Chuck and Candice were doing the dishes, Catie and I made and decorated a gingerbread house.Catie really loved piping the icing on the roof. The lovely finished product.
We set the timer and actually got the ornaments and the ribbon on in an hour!!
I really look for cute or unusual ornaments every year and I found this turtle for Catie when we were in Saugatuk in October. She informed me that it wasn't a "Loggerhead turtle", as are common in South Carolina, but she still loves turtles, no matter what kind they are.
We laughed and reminisced while accomplishing the task. Then we watched "The Muppets Christmas Carol", Candice's favorite.

Tuesday, December 22nd, I'm dreaming of a....

We had a lovely snowfall today.....is it too early to hope?

Monday, December 21st, So who gets their wish?

I saved the wishbone from the Thanksgiving turkey for when the girls came home for Christmas break. Catie and I made our wishes today and this is how it broke. What is the rule for when it breaks evenly? Each gets their wish or each gets half a wish?

Sunday, December 20th, A Christmas Wedding

Today, our friend Allison was married to Steve Erl. Candice was a bridesmaid as she and Allison have been friends since they were 2. Everyone told me that she was the most stunning bridesmaid, which I knew.....Andy, giving away his baby girl...The happy couple..Candice was paired with a groomsman who is the brother of one of Catie's good friends from middle school and high school...It was freaky because these brothers could have been twins, they look so much alike.
Daddy, daughter dance
Chuck left early and I was so honored to be asked to stay and party with my girls!!!
Catie and Candice had a ball with their friends.
We had such a blast watching Kevin, the youngest Searle dance and Bust a move on the floor!!These are the brothers dancing together. We closed the place at 11:30. It was a great party.

Saturday, December 19th, A whole lotta Holiday activities

Candice is in a wedding tomorrow and had the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner tonight. So, Catie and I planned a full day of local activities. Chuck still had some shopping to do, so while we were busy, so was he.
After doing some gift wrapping here at home, Celia picked us up at 2 and we went to the Genesee theater to see "Holiday Inn". It was very corny, but it was such fun for Catie to see this fabulous restored theater. We were a bit shocked by one of the very un-PC numbers.Catie had this lovely cookie and Celia and I munched on popcorn.
Chuck then picked us up and we went out for dinner.
At 7, Catie and I participated in the "Do it Yourself" Messiah at the United Methodist Church in Waukegan. We purchased the score and sang like we actually knew what we were doing. I have wanted to do this for at least 20 years and my dream would be to do it at the Lyric in Chicago. Someday, before I die.....

Friday, December 18th, The Tindells are all together now....

Catie came home tonight. She is getting used to this 18 hour drive from Charleston, but it makes for a very long day. She brought me my birthday gift and I opened it when she got home. I adore Pixar movies and she gave me "Up". Love it.......

The picture above is from Catie's flickr site. Click here for this shot and others.