Monday, January 3, 2011

Winter Wonderland

I usually feel a little bluesy the day after Christmas. After special time with family, watching excited faces open gifts, and eating to my hearts delight, there is always this sort of feeling of let down the following day. The anticipation of decorating the tree is gone and talks of taking it down for another year come up. It seems silly to turn on the outdoors lights. And the leftovers...well, it just not the same as the day before when we are waiting around with hungry stomachs. BUT, this Christmas was an exceptional one. Something happened here on Christmas Day afternoon that hasn't happened since the 1800's in my neck of the woods...we had a white Christmas! So, instead of the blues, the next day we woke up to just enough snow to sled in, build a snowman, and make snowballs. Because of the icy roads, we had stayed at my sisters house on Christmas night...so Ella got to enjoy the snow with her two girls! It was really special! Ella could not have had a better time in her little winter wonderland. She went down the hill on a sled like she's been doing it for years!


This makes me long for the day when we can take all three kids to Colorado and teach them to ski.

"Dance with me mommy?", she asked.

Walking in a winter wonderland with my little wonder

Just like Christmas, the snow did not stick around for very long. But, it made me think. What is it about a snow covered woods that is so appealing? I mean, its cold, wet, and messy when little boots track it back inside. But, something about snow just feels so peaceful, fresh...almost like a new beginning. I guess that is where the lyrics to a popular hymn come from that say (referring to our sin) "He washed them white as snow."

What a wonderful way to transition into 2011 after this very emotional and stressful year! Family, food, memories made...and snow...as if a sign from God that this is going to be a fresh start to an amazing year.



11 comments:

Jennifer said...

Your pictures are fabulous!!!

Cadie said...

What gorgeous pictures! So glad to hear you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. I loved the picture of all the stockings in one of your previous posts. Happy New Year!

Jess said...

I'm not sure how you do it, but you and Ella always manage to look like a magazine cover in your pictures together! So cute!

Have you heard the song "Winter Snow" from Chris Tomlin's Christmas CD? It is BEAUTIFUL, and compares the arrival of Jesus to the arrival of a winter snow - quiet and soft and slow, falling from the sky in the night to the earth below. Love it.

Anonymous said...

I was so excited for you southerners! What a special day!...and it looks like you have great shots for the P52 Project--so excited you are going to give it a shot(no pun intended:)

Shawn A. Anderson said...

Beautiful pictures of you and your daughter! Happy New Year!

Katie said...

Sarah ~ Such sweet pictures. Glad you had a wonderful Christmas, and may the new year bring lots of joy and VERY little stress. ; )

Robin said...

Amazing photographs! The snow was unbelievable and although my little one wasn't quite big enough to sled, we really enjoyed the view out our window. Happy New Year!

Natalie of TheBusyBudgetingMama.com said...

you seriously are too cute! i love these photos! thanks for being a follower.. i'm following you now!

Mrs. Chapman's 2nd Grade Class said...

The pictures are AMAZING!!! I love love love them!!

Anonymous said...

Such sweet pictures!

Haven and Home said...

Ah that is so special!