Christmas At Big Bear

Wow, what a Christmas I had this year! My two wonderful sons surprised me with a trip to California. Their plan was for us to spend a few days playing in the snow up in the mountains at Big Bear. I was a little apprehensive since I didn't own any winter clothing. I was assured that this would be taken care of and five days before Christmas I flew out to Ontario, California, and was met at the airport by Jeremy. We spent the next few days in San Diego and then drove back to Ontario and picked up Jason on Christmas Eve day. We then proceeded up the mountain to Big Bear. We got there as night was falling. After stocking up at the grocery store, we checked into our cabin and settled in for the night. Christmas Eve in a snowy wonderland. I haven't seen snow on Christmas for years. It was beautiful. Christmas Day brought nasty weather. It was very windy and there was a pelting sleet blowing. That morning I received a new jacket, snow pants, a hat and glove set, ski gloves and a scarf. I also was set up with new hiking boots. We all donned our gear and took a walk in the driving snow. The cabin was located near the shoreline of the lake and the wind was rather fierce. After walking in the area, we all went back to the cabin for hot cocoa and I prepared Christmas dinner---pot roast with red potatoes and carrots in gravy. Yummmmm! The next two days were filled with snowboarding for the guys and skiing lessons for me. We were up at the crack of dawn and back after sunset but, oh! what fun! After day one my shins were sore but when I got to the ski area on the second day I was ready to go. The time goes so quickly and it is so much fun. I will describe my lessons later because they deserve a post of their own. We left Big Bear on Sunday and drove down the mountain. But here is the thing. I thought I would be alone at Christmas this year and that would have been okay. But I wasn't. I was a little afraid that I wouldn't be able to ski very well. But I did. And one night--a very clear, cold night--as I was laying in bed in the dark with only the glow from the fireplace shedding a little light, I lay looking out of the window by my bed and gazed at the star filled sky. There were millions of stars out that night. And that is what I wanted to see. I knew from the moment I received the invitation from the guys that I wanted to see the stars on a cold, clear night. Just like I did when I was a child growing up in Minnesota. And I did. And I was in awe. And I was at peace. And I am thankful. And I am happy. Thanks, guys, for a wonderful Christmas! Love, Mom.