A Christmas Entry

As usual, the Stoll Family Christmas was so busy that I haven't been able to get to my computer for blogging since the big day. But it definitely deserves comment anyway.

We started our Christmas Eve festivities with one of our family favorites--a movie. This year we all agreed that Charlotte's Web was THE movie to see. It was great! We all enjoyed it thoroughly, including Mara. She was a little confused about Charlotte's species--thought she was an ant--but otherwise was enthralled by the story and animals.

We followed that with the Christ Community Christmas Eve service. Jeff was singing in the choir for all three services but the rest of us only attended one. I managed to get the car stuck trying to park on a side street, requiring the services of two very nice church neighbors who were probably wishing they had not rented a house so close to a church with such a small parking lot and such a big congregation. After that I played it safe, dropped the kids off in front of the building and parked in the Central H.S. lot. The shuttle to the church was crowded, as was the service itself, so I got in a bit of exercise walking to the church. It was a very nice service though not one for the record books. Still an excellent way to get our thoughts concentrated on Christ's birth and away from the hustle bustle of the season.

The lack of snow removal was even worse at Mom's where we were scheduled to arrive just after church. Knowing the situation, we had taken both our snow shovels and the girls started in as soon as we got there to shovel snow so we could park in front of their house. They were soon joined by Michael and Bobby and quickly made enough space for our cars and a few additional coming Christmas Day. Their reward was a delicious dinner and good fellowship.

On Christmas Day we overslept and missed that magical time of lighting candles and the fireplace and opening gifts in the "dark." But still it was a wonderful relaxed morning and we enjoyed having just the 5 of us to share a peaceful, delightful time. We had a nice breakfast, watched Mara play with several of her new toys and took quick naps in preparation for the upcoming afternoon festivities.

We went to Grandma's house to enjoy a Christmas dinner and fellowship with Tom's family, most of the Toth family, Stewart and, of course, Grandma and Grandpa. It was the perfect finish to a wonderful holiday. We all came home exhausted but happy.

As I write there is a very light snow coming down outside. This should be enchanting and peaceful, but it just emphasizes the threat that we are supposed to receive between 10 and 20 inches more snow tonight and tomorrow morning. It has been snowing all day in Denver already and Jeff's office closed down at 2. Jeff had the foresight last night to bring home a pile of work so that he could home office today and tomorrow so he has been hard at work downstairs. I don't think any one is ready for another dumping of snow and yet, here we are. Out here on the Colorado plains we sure are not used to one of these snow storms a year, let alone 2 in a week. But this too shall pass and it gives us lots of interesting memories for this 2006 holiday season. Right now we are just hoping to be able to dig out enough that we can still enjoy hosting our annual New Year's Eve party. Ahhh, winter. I hate it.