As I sit here at the computer my heart is at peace with the readiness of our Christmas preparations.  Father and I were happy to just have spent the day with the little ones with absolutely no stress.  Gifts were all wrapped last week and are now under the tree.  Father and the children are asleep.  Momma has some quiet time and is filled up with the milk, cookies and carrots that were left out for Santa and his reindeer.  We spent the day together and watched a few of the old Christmas stories.  I am still hunting for the Christmas Vacation one but so far it has eluded me.  Seems we never actually owned it on VHS or DVD...just managed to catch it on the TV programing.  I must remember to put that on the shopping list.  I will look on ebay before next Christmas arrives.  Marissa and Mark are very excited and were a smashing success at the Christmas Eve church service as an angel and a shepherd.  The service was long with communion being served but they were two very good children who were adored by everyone.  I was able to tuck them into bed with the story of the nativity, followed by the classic "T'was the Night Before Christmas" story.  I have been trying to stress to the kiddos that Santa brings presents because the three wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus, however when asked "So why do we give gifts at Christmas?", the answer is "Because we have been good?"  This is followed by .... "No, although that is nice.  It is because the three wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus and so we do it to remember what they did!"  I feel sorry that it is all so confusing to them.  I can really see how the vague dotted line from the birth of our Lord and Savior and how Santa Clause got intertwined can be such a mind twister to children.  It is difficult walking two parallel lines of thought even for adults.  At the end of the day I hope that they are going to remember the Christmas Eve services and how good it feels to be gathered together, singing hymns, shaking hands, giving hugs and wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas.  This is the true reason for all of the Christmas celebration and our children will know this.  So here are a few photos of our little angel and her guardian shepherd.  Enjoy, and may the peace of the season and God's gift of love and forgiveness find you this fine windy rainy night.  "Merry Christmas and to all a good night".