Christmas Past

This had to be the best Christmas ever. It just couldn't have been better. Christmas Day at the Oshkosh Mathwigs was filled with laughter, lots of talk and, as always, more food than a healthy family needs, but oh so good. Despite the horrible ice storm, the Kostuchs and Ramseiers arrived from La Crosse only about an hour late, greeted with much relief.

They returned with me to my new home on Christmas evening, for a light supper and yet another present opening. (I think it already was their 4th - with more to come over the next week). My grandchildren are not wanting. On Saturday, we spent half the day at the water park and gym, where we played and exercised and stretched other parts of our bodies than just our stomachs. We all LOVED the huge slides. The kids had a ball, and we all returned a little waterlogged, but happy. During our "play time", Rob worked like a beaver to get my broken snow blower up and running again. Later, Joe repaired the wheels on my cedar chest. Thank you son-in-laws for taking such good care of me.

The kids all played so well together and Nana got in more hugs, kisses and laughs that she can count. Granny and Old Poppa joined us for supper for the traditional oyster stew (some had chili) and we had another present opening. I feel so blessed to have had us all together. We watched Christmas videos, played with old and new toys alike and even Claire got into the fun. The nightgowns and PJs that I made for the kids all fit (miracle of miracles), the Georgia girls had a great romp in the snow and everyone slept fairly comfortably. Sunday we all headed up to the Jensen Center in Amherst to celebrate Thomas' 2nd birthday, and what a celebration. There was even a big screen TV so the sports fans didn't miss the Packers win.

Of course it was hard to say good bye, but they all made it back safely, and that's the most important thing. So today I began to take down the decorations, always a sad farewell, but I'm already looking forward to next year. To everyone who helped to make my Christmas so very special - thank you, thank you, thank you! May 2010 be a spectacular year.

Preparing for Christmas

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful...Let it snow". 15 inches and -10 degree wind chills, are bringing the holiday season on rather quickly. This first blizzard of the year is purported to be the biggest December snowfall in Wisconsin on record. It took my back out halfway down the driveway and I ended up needing help to finish the job. Guess I should have bought a snow blower earlier, despite the cost.

Anyway, Claire and I are getting ready for Christmas, with the tree up and the presents wrapped, so we're almost on schedule. Friend Dorothy, from La Crosse, stayed here my birthday weekend, and we tramped the woods to cut the perfect tree. Had a birthday dinner out with her and Barb on Friday, a birthday campfire with Samb's, Weiss's, Dillinghams and Behms on Saturday. I celebrated with my folks for lunch on Sunday, went out for Chinese lunch with Holly and Kathy D. on Monday and was treated again at TW Martins by Amber and Jan on Wednesday. WOW, am I having a wonderful birthday "month" or what? I'm afraid to weigh myself.

Curling three times a week and yoga are keeping me limber and busy. This weekend I'm working the kitchen for the Senior Men's Bonspiel - 15 pies already made. But my most exciting plans are for Christmas with both Cari's and Krista's families being here on the 26th. I can't wait to celebrate the holidays with my girls and theirs.

To all of you - may this be a wonderful, safe, healthy and happy time of year. Stay warm and dry and laugh, laugh, laugh!!!