We have had a wonderful Christmas season. First Christmas was with my family, and Second Christmas was with Paul's, and sandwiched in between was our own Mini-Christmas, or possibly Christmas v1.5, depending on how you look at it.

Christmas with Paul's family was so great. I love them all so much, and I always have so much fun hanging out with them. At one point Marcia found Dave's box of childhood stuff, and we laughed ourselves sick reading his kindergarten report card and discovering that not much had changed in thirty-odd years. I had a lot of fun playing with our three wonderful nieces, each of whom has her own distinct personality, and all of whom I'm enjoying getting to know better. I only wish we lived closer so that we could spend more time with them. Much good food was eaten, much good drink was imbibed, and far too many cookies were consumed. After the kids were in bed, we looked through Nancy's Italy photos (so gorgeous; I'd never have been able to come home after visiting at the places she did) and closed the evening by watching the new Kevin Smith standup DVD (horrendously offensive, but also gutbustingly funny).

I'm continually amazed by how much talent there is in Paul's family. His mom and dad are both excellent photographers, as is his brother Dave. Our sister-in-law's got some hella amazing craft and jewelry talent, and someone else in the family (I can't really say who or what yet) just got a huge, incredible, wonderful opportunity for more creative, personal, and career growth. I can't wait to see what s/he does with it.

Oh, and not to forget: Karen managed to find me not onee but two boxes of Lyon's Gold Label tea, and also got me the new Indigo Girls CD/DVD. I'm drinking the tea now and realizing why it's worth searching out. Woo! Extra awesome.

Paul, who is fast racking up points in the World's Awesomest Husband contest, got me page 183 from Castle Waiting. The art's gorgeous, and features all of my favorite characters: Jain and Pindar, Rackham, Chess, and of course, Sister Peace. Adding to the wonderfulness of Linda Medley's stunning inks is the fact that it bears real (albeit photocopied) Todd Klein lettering. I can't wait to get it framed and hung.

Paul let me in on a secret: In order to get the page delivered past me unnoticed (since I work from home, I get the mail) he got all supa sneaky on me and had Linda forge a bogus return address on the envelope so I wouldn't knwo what it was.

Continuing his devious streak, Paul also bought us a piece of sculpture from Smart Shop that I'd fallen in love with. It's a big mantelpiece clock made out of gears, with bright orange hands to tell time. He loved it the second I pointed it out to him, and surreptitious dude that he is, paid for it the same night and picked it up when his show came down. I was none the wiser. It's now gracing our mantel and throwing weird geary reflections into the mirror.

I love my husband so very, very much. He is amazing. His presence in my life (gifts notwithstanding) is the best thing that's ever happened to me.

Merry post-holiday to everyone!