The Southern California weather gods have brought us rain for the next five days. That’s the closest we’ll ever get to a white Christmas, so I’ll take it! Annie and James are doing “snow dances,” but it’s only going to get into the 40s here (that’s like six or seven degrees C) so there’s no chance. But their snow dances burn energy so I will take those, too! My shopping is done but I have wrapped zero gifts…I probably should have done that when the kids were still in school. Oh well! Annie and James had fun holiday celebrations in their classes, including a school-wide pajama day on the Friday before break started. I love seeing all the kids in their PJs, it’s so dang cute.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and that the new year (new DECADE!!!) brings nothing but happiness. I am so thankful for all of you who have read this blog and supported my family for so long – I started blogging in 2002 and never would have ever imagined I’d still be at it seventeen years later! Merry, merry, happy, happy everything! Lots of love to you all.

Around The ‘Net

~The Rise and Fall of an All-Star Crew of Jewel Thieves

~FDA Approves Ebola Vaccine With 100% Effectiveness

~Traveling the loneliest road

~The dark, ruined city that became the home of Christmas

~Greta Thunberg, Person of the Year

~She Survived A Mob Attack And Became A Symbol Of Bolivia’s Political Crisis.

~Miss USA, Miss America, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe and now Miss World are all black women

~Why We Hate the Sound of Our Own Voice

~In 2020 Census, Big Efforts in Some States. In Others, Not So Much.

~You’re not paranoid: Your phone really is listening in

~Grades vs. SAT scores: Which is a better predictor of college success?

~How the Loss of the Landline Is Changing Family Life

~Wildlife wins: 7 good-news stories from 2019

~This 88-year-old woman boarded her seven-hour flight. Then a man surprised her with his business-class ticket.

~It’s Not You. Clothing Sizes Are Broken.

~Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom bows out with a Venice Beach goodbye

Fun Finds
~If you need a last-minute gift, our Knock-Knock joke book is shipping overnight via Amazon Prime! It’s a great stocking stuffer and an excellent way to keep the kids’ table occupied during family dinners.
~Another good last-minute gift for kids is a “paint by sticker” book. My niece loves these.
~And when all else fails, there’s always the classic: socks. LOL

Happy Sunday, everyone!