I BET YOU'RE ASKING, "SHAUNA, WHAT DID YOU DO FOR CHRISTMAS EVE?".....

This morning Nat and I attended services at Maryland Community Church. It was an incredibly beautiful service w/ lots of gorgeous candle light. Normally we attend the eXchange services on Sunday evenings b/c they are taylored more toward the younger, contemporary crowd; however, we opted for the a.m. service b/c we would not be back in town in time for the p.m. service. It was a refreshing change. I really like Pstr Vince McFarland teachings very much.

After service we were able to connect with Nat's half sister's grandpa. Fortunately he was able to come by and pick up the presents we had bought for Chelsae. I have really been stressing over getting these to her b/c I was not particularly fond of delivering these gifts to her mom's apartment (she lives w/ a drug dealer). Chelsae's grandpa was a very nice man. You could really see the anguish in his face when he spoke of Chelsae and her mom and the situation that her mom has chosen for them. It is really sad. You could tell he was absolutely heart broken. He assurred me that all gifts would be delivered to Chels. Hopefully her mom will allow her to keep them rather than sell them for a little extra drinking/drugging money.

We took a trip across the state line w/ Aunt Marci and Uncle Bill. We spent the day with his brother, Ned, and his sister in law, Lisa. They have a very beautiful home. As if great food and great company were not enough for the day--Uncle Ned took us on a little field trip to a place called Darwin's Ferry.

The field trip included a ride in his specially adapted "short bus". So to answer your origianl question, "Shauna, what did you do Christmas Eve" my answer would be, "I took a ride on the short bus". He has purchased a mini school bus to cruise around in. Initially, there was no heat and all of the windows were fogged up. Since there was only one bench seat, Aunt Marci and Sarah had to pull up a wheel well. They were gracious enough to allow me the bench seat.

We not only got to see a ferry built in 1818 to carry stuff across the Wabash River we also got to see a farm that has a tractor collection. There were nearly 40 tractors present on this property....we could hardly contain our excitement. There were many laughs to be had.

Tomorrow will consist of Nat opening his gifts, brunch w/ the Conleys, and back to the Tennises. Later in the afternoon we are considering going to see the new Ben Stiller movie, A NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM. We have been looking forward to this movie since we saw it as a preview for PIRATES 2.

Must run, I am going to attempt midnight mass at St Joes.

Although the food and gifts are great don't forget Immanuel, GOD WITH US!