Winter weather has finally arrived.

You people are going to think I fixed this just so that one of myfavorite bloggers would win, but that isn’t so. The winner of the BassPro Shops gift-guessing contest is Rachel, fair and square!

I should have remembered that Dan likes to double up presents. LastChristmas he gave me two watches. This Christmas he gave me two sets ofcozy pajamas … the ones from Lands End and these. Now I hate to disappoint him, so I need to practice that Angelina Jolie-like look while I wear them at the stove …

from Pauline Books

Still back ordered, but I’m pretty sure it’s not pajamas. He gave me a set of these flannel jammies on Christmas morning. The suspense continues …

Did you know that the Vatican Christmas tree is over 100 feet tall?

“Lucky pope,” says Stephen. Ours is a measly 11:

Midnight Mass: Beautiful.

Early wake up call on Christmas morning: Difficult.

Specially planned breakfast: Skipped.

Stockings: Un-stuffed.

Presents from Mama and Papa: Opened.

Magic Set: Appreciated.

Bucket o’ Vehicles: Adored.

Walkie Talkies: Cherished.

Play Tent: Fabulous.

Mini sewing machine: Troublesome.

Watch for Husband: Wrong.

House: Trashed.

Guests: Arrived.

Pork Pies with gravy and cranberry sauce: Devoured.

Dozens more presents from Grandpa and Uncle: Opened.

Every last child: Spoiled.

Kitchen: Buried.

Rest of the house: Super-Trashed.

Baby: Whiny.

Toddler: Wired.

Mama: Spent.

Bedtime: Early.

Bean Family: Blessed.

From his homily at this year’s Midnight Mass:

God’s sign is simplicity. God’s sign is the baby. God’s sign isthat he makes himself small for us. This is how he reigns. He does notcome with power and outward splendour. He comes as a baby – defencelessand in need of our help. He does not want to overwhelm us with hisstrength. He takes away our fear of his greatness. He asks for ourlove: so he makes himself a child.

Read the whole thing here.
HT Amy Welborn