Sztanyo Christmas Greeting 2019!
May this Christmas season be your family's
most meaningful ever! From our family to yours have a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dear Family & Friends,
This morn I am watching the sky lighten in the east as the sun moves closer and closer to showing itself at sunrise. It’s the second Sunday of Advent and the excitement surrounding the events of Christmas seems to get stronger everyday as December moves along. Eric and his kids are spending some time here and last night Barb went with them to see the beautiful music-timed light show at the fairgrounds. I can see these little ones with nervous energy as they think about our approaching Christmas time together. That excitement can be felt by just about anyone who looks forward to this very special time of year.
Grandkids are always a blessing and Barb and I are surrounded by 11 who bring joy and unbound energy into our lives, all the time. Of course the build up to Christmas is very interesting to see shining all over their faces and in all of their excited behavior, like even behaving better with their eye towards a gift exchange. From drawn pictures, crafts, magic tricks, new athletic achievements, or stage talents they all gift us with a lot of joy and pride. Sometimes even sharing a joke or two like this one: “Lettuce and a tomato were in a race. Lettuce got a head and the tomato tried to ketchup.” We enjoy the sweet fellowship with them, our kids and wives every time we are able to gather. We may not be able to gather with Mike and Heather and kids this year as he is been awarded an upgrade to Captain at Delta and is in training this month. Brian and Bridgett and their two are doing great, and Brian was promoted to a new role as an Advisor with Fidelity’s Premium Services. Eric and Wit are also doing fine as they await the arrival of a new child in January. That’s right number 5 for them and 12 gkids for us. And he is doing very well with his business in real estate. Barb and I are in good health and are enjoying the retired life along with keeping up with the MSU Spartans in sports.
There are so many dynamics that make this season special; Winter weather arriving finally in earnest, family gatherings, gift exchanges and the year’s end coming to a close. Sometimes this season reminds us of those who have left us and can no longer gather. With the loss of our dearly loved Great Grandmother Wilma this year (Barb’s mom), Barb and I will gather without with family without any living parent this side of glory. But as believers we share something else that makes this not only special but extremely important. We share the celebration of an event that was the most monumental and history changing of all. God becoming man and born into the world where we live. Christmas Day celebrates the Lord’s birth! It’s always good news, in a culture that thrives on bad news, to hear this redeeming message. There is hope because of Jesus! That should rise above all other thoughts and feelings we have as we approach Christmas. His peace and love is the best medicine for the pain of loss and His work should fill us with greatest of joys for the future. So from our family to yours we hope this is your best Christmas ever, filled with the realization of great blessing, packed with deep meaning and able “to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Eph 3:18b
From our family to yours,
Merry Christmas from Florence!
Barb and Mark Sztanyo
Peace, Love and Joy!
For those who can't get enough...... here's a little more!
2019 Offerings
Every year we learn a little something new and wish to share something a little different. Hope you find something you enjoy.
Photos/Videos
Working and PLAYING in the leaves, 3 short clips:
- (Not Family) The amazing story of Louis Zamperini. An amazing survival story leads to a whole life of incredible impact. I think you will enjoy this: https://youtu.be/VcVQ1G82pu0
Writings/Articles
- A 21 year ago hunt that was made fresh again by a recent return trip and muzzle hunt at the infamous pulpy wine farm near Henderson, KY. Why is the hunt such a big deal? One reason may be the great memories created such as this: The "River" Buck
Wishing You the Merriest Christmas of all!
This online Christmas greeting replaces our traditional snail-mail paper version.
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2019 Christmas below!
Florence, Columbiaville, Amelia, and Ft Thomas Sztanyo's
Back L to R: Witni, Eric, Brigett, Bailey, Brian, Joey, Hallie, Mike, Heather, David, Marisa
Front L to R: Corin, Sawyer, Barb, Rafe, Emil, Miriam, Mark, Elaina