Settling

Okay friends. I can't seem to get my act together and write the epic I have in my mind. So, this will have to do. 

This Christmas brought me something I've always wanted: a white Christmas. The Oregon Willamette Valley provides much, but piles of snow it does not. Except maybe every 50 years. Turns out December 2008 was the special time when the pigs flew high and the fat lady walked on stage, because snow came and in a BIG way. And then a night of freezing rain arrived, with all of it's hazardous effects, and another load of snow on top of that. And because our public infrastructure was so unprepared, the snow was not easily managed. Our cars slid off roads, got stuck in snow, and wore chains that damaged brake lines and axles. Billy's work shut down and with the impromptu vacation we spent the entire week of Christmas in Salem, with his parents, while my parent's suffered through five days without electricity. My mom crossed herself for having the inspiration to install a wood stove in the kitchen just weeks prior, for it served as the only source of heat and sustenance while the Olsen brood camped out, waiting for Saint Nick. 

Christmas day was full. Santa was mighty and thoughtful in his(her) gifting, and the real Spirit of Christmas, our Savior and His mission, rested in our hearts as we weremy heart during the day. I was taken aback, during the few silent moments, by how incredibly blessed I am to have such a great family. Both of my families, the Snyders and the Olsens, are such kind, loving friends, and I just love, love, love the (you), so much. I love my kids. Billy and I had such a fun time watching them enjoy the family and the festivities, even though we are now presented with the challenge of fitting everything in our small house and explaining the idea of donating old toys to Liam. 

It was all very, very nice and now that I've written what I have I feel tired and spent. Maybe I'll write more later, there are more stories to be told, ones with Billy squeezing his leg's through a pickup's back window and turning of an engine with his toes, but that will be for another time when I don't have a sinus headache. I love you all, please know that. Even when I am grouchy and stuff, the love is there, just masked by a need for sleep and a sour disposition.