I guess it's been about ten days since last posting. I suppose there's been a few things happen.
BENNETT'S PROGRAM
Grandson Bennett had his first Christmas program at this particular preschool (the same school Anna attends). It was just for his class, so it was short and sweet. I think it only lasted about 10 minutes, then we all shared cupcakes and punch in the cafeteria. It was just about right, and he was a hoot.
Bennett is apparently kind of the leader in his class - at least among the boys. He did super well, and managed to stay tuned in for most of the singing of songs. He's a good kid.
Y PARTY
Jane's party for the Y (for full-time employees) was on Saturday the 16th. It was once again held at her boss's house (the main boss). He and his wife throw an excellent party every year. They have food catered and an open bar. There is also karaoke and plenty of room to chat.
Jane and I both partook of too much drink, and she spent much of the night with a mic in her hand, singing up a storm with some of her co-workers. We were among the last group to leave, and Jane paid for it dearly all that night and the next day. It was a good time while it lasted.
PARTY AT OUR HOUSE
On Wednesday, Dec. 20th we hosted a party for our church group that feeds the under-served of downtown. We had a potato bar and we supplied the potatoes while everyone just brought a topping to share. I believe there were 16 of us present, and it was a good time.
I prayed before we ate - which was kind of a step for me. Several of the people in this group had no idea I was a pastor so there were a number of questions throughout the night. Another interesting thing about being among Lutherans is - drink flowed fairly well. Most everyone drank wine or the sangria punch Jane made. It was over fairly early so no one got too tipsy, but still much different than how we grew up. It was a nice party and we enjoyed hosting it.
FAMILY TIME
The Atlanta Horwedel's arrived Thursday evening. Isaac and Ricci had originally planned to fly but opted for driving instead. They also brought their two "kids" - Crosby and Tig. The Feipel five joined us and we spent most of the rest of time together until Isaac and Ricci left Christmas Day early-afternoon.
The women went shopping one day, and other than that not a lot happened. I guess we ate out one night (minus Drew). We went to Ceballos for Mexican. Saturday night we all went to the Feipel's and Scobbie joined us.
MIKE'S PARTY
Our friend Mike had his annual Christmas Party Saturday the 23rd. We normally look forward to this event but were torn this year with all the family in town. We made a brief appearance and Jane made some of her famous bacon-covered dates. We had to leave before the games began though but it was still nice to see everyone.
CHRISTMAS EVE
We all went to church Sunday morning at C2G. Drew was helping lead worship, and it was Isaac and Ricci's first time there for church (Isaac had attended some concerts there years ago). It was a somewhat rowdy crowd with at least one person having to be "escorted" into the prayer room. Poor Anna had a terrible cough too and Carrie had to take her to get some medicine. Otherwise it was nice having everyone in church together for a change. That doesn't happen very often.
We opened presents at our house after having Jane's delicious lasagna for lunch. Anna was too sick to participate in the Christmas program with her classmates, so Jane, Carrie and I went to C2G's Christmas Eve service at 5 pm. It was a really nice service with mostly just Christmas Carol's, Scripture, and Communion.
SNOW
It started snowing Christmas Eve day and snowed 3-4 inches total. I suppose a lot of people got their wish for a white Christmas. The roads were briefly a little hairy Christmas Eve - which probably kept some people from attending church services - but otherwise it was an almost perfect holiday snowfall.
Isaac and Ricci, being southerners, are at least prepared with a Subaru. However, the one thing Isaac forgot to bring was his winter coat. It wouldn't have been so bad if they didn't have the dogs to take outside for potty time, so I gave him my "work coat" I bought for outside work at the storage place. I did wear it still, but don't need it like I used to now that I am working strictly indoors. It matches the work boots I gave him last year. :)
I was able to get the snowblower out for the first time this year. I filled it with gas and started it up on the 23rd, then used it on the 24th and 25th. Christmas day I took it over and let Drew use it in front of their house too. Still one of the best purchases I've ever made!
CHRISTMAS DAY
It was a beautiful morning on the 25th. There were still a few snow flurries, but it was mostly clear and sunny (but pretty cold - like 17f). The four of us went over to the Feipel's around 9:30 to see what Santa brought the little ones. Carrie also makes her famous cinnamon rolls on Christmas morn. So we hung out there until around noon, then made our way back home.
Isaac and Ricci packed up their belongings and took of for her mom's side of the family in Indianapolis. So we went from having them, the dogs, and the Feipel's filling the house with energy and excitement, to just the two of us again. Oh, and the cat did finally reappear. She had kept herself hidden from Thursday afternoon to Monday afternoon. She would have done so even without the dogs (world's most shy cat).
AND SO...
Now it is back to work (which is where I am typing from). I opened at 5 am and Jane just got here to work out at 6:13. She's the third person here.
All in all it was a really nice holiday season. Though, technically, most of it has simply been the Advent. The true Christmas season is just now begun. Tonight we are hosting some friends at our house for pizza (our pastor and his wife, along with Dalen and "the other Jane").
Not sure how much I will be blogging for awhile yet. It seems weird not to, but I can't say that I miss it all that much. It's been kind of nice to give my brain a break.
Anyhew... hopefully everyone has survived and your year will end well. Until the next time...
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