December 23

It is 8am and my house is still quite. These mornings are special gifts from God. I have enjoyed the time reflecting on the past few days, months and year. I was able to get out alone for a few hours yesterday. Like so many place, we experienced snow for most of the day and night before. I headed to town with a list of things to do. I decided to park the car and walk around town to complete my errands. The snow had stopped falling, and the air was still. Have I mentioned how much I love living here? The mountains were so amazing with the fresh fallen snow on all the trees. The ski hill was filled with what looked like little black ants zig zagging their way down the slope. In town, the Christmas energy was definitely felt. Others walked along the sidewalk. I watched and speculated which of them were like me- getting a few last minute things done, who was from out of town enjoying Christmas vacation, who was here staying at their second or third home for Christmas, and who was out doing errands FOR those people staying in their second or third home! I listened as people talked about skiing, travel and last minute plans. I noticed peoples snow boots, hats and other snow gear. I bought a hat at the thrift store, after getting a few opinions on how it looked from some other girls there. I mailed a package at the post office, and stood in line with others, wondering what thoughts were racing through their minds. I said prayers for them as I waited.

I met Chad and we had a nice dinner together, then headed home. The kids had a great time with our wonderful sitter, Jennie. I bundled them up and we delivered goodies to the neighbors. Thomas had no hesitation to RUN right into each house as soon as the door was opened! After the kids were in bed, and the house was picked up, I sat down and watched The Christmas Shoes. It was a bit cheesy- but a good story and I cried my eyes out. Sobbed. Chad left after about 20 minutes to go to bed. TOO cheesy and "mushy" for him, if you could possibly imagine! I finished watching and went in quietly to look at my children. I kissed their heads and breathed in the sweet smell. I am crazy for them. Amazing, precious little lives. I love that I get to be their Momma.

Our wonderful little church family has had many tragic and sudden deaths this season. My heart is heavy for the losses. Ella's Sunday school teacher lost her husband this week, after a series of sudden strokes. Several other families have had sudden deaths and tragic losses happen. I don't know what to say about it really- it is just heavy on my heart. It is hard to know people you care about are suffering- not only from deaths, but job-losses, thwarted travel plans, etc.

Today, I am baking a cherry pie for Christmas. I am very excited about eating it tonight, and tomorrow. I plan to shovel the snow off the back patio, at least a foot has fallen since I was able to shovel it on Friday. We will go up to the library for story time and stock up on books and DVDs for our upcoming travel and then come home and do laundry, and begin getting ready for rest of the week-

Merry Christmas!!