Christmas Morning - 4 a.m.

We had barely dug out of the last blizzard when the weatherman predicted another winter storm. It was reputed to be a storm that even Rudolph would be unable to navitate. Our neighbors to the north fell victims to its fury, but here in Des Moines we suffered the moderate inconvenience of a half-inch or so of sleet covered by about 6 more inches of snow. Our usual Christmas Eve gathering, which included Papa, Chris, Wyatt, and this year added McKenna, went off without a hitch.

After personally supervising Santa's delivery, I peeked out to see what the weather was doing and was struck by the beauty of the new fallen snow, which "gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below." All is calm at 4 a.m., and this morning all was bright. This photo does not do justice to the glow.

There was no want for gifts this year, but it seems that everyone except Hannah (who is so grateful for everything) was a tad bit disappointed. I feel sad for teens and young adults whose Christmas wish list includes items that are beyond even Santa's ability to provide. I remember the transition from the huge piles of toys to the paltry boxes of shirts and practical items that are needed but fall short in providing the same "Wow" factor that the new toys of childhood did. And then again, those ungrateful twerps!!!

As we woke to the challenge of shoveling out for the second time in as many weeks, Al and I worked silently to clear the driveway while our three testosterone-laden young men slept soundly. One of these years, we decided, we are going to the Bahamas for Christmas, without any children!!