Baby, it's cold outside...

"Baby, Its Cold Outside"
I really can't stay (But baby it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (But baby it's cold outside)
This evening has been (Been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (Beautiful, what's your hurry)
And father will be pacing the floor (Listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (Beautiful, please don't hurry well)
Maybe just a half a drink more (Put some records on while I pour )
The neighbors might think (Baby, it's bad out there)
Say, what's in this drink (No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how (Your eyes are like starlight now)
To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say no, no, no, sir (Mind if I move in closer)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (What's the sense in hurting my pride)
I really can't stay (Baby don't hold out)
Ahh, but it's cold outside
I simply must go (Baby, it's cold outside)
The answer is no (But baby, it's cold outside)
This welcome has been (I'm lucky that you dropped in)
So nice and warm (Look out the window at that storm)
My sister will be suspicious (Gosh, your lips look delicious)
My brother will be there at the door (Waves upon a tropical shore)
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious (Gosh your lips are delicious)
Well maybe just a cigarette more (Never such a blizzard before)
I've got to get home (Oh, baby, you'll freeze out there)
Say, lend me your comb (It's up to your knees out there)
You've really been grand (A thrill when you touch my hand)
But don't you see (How can you do this thing to me)
There's bound to be talk tomorrow (Think of my life long sorrow)
At least there will be plenty implied (If you caught pneumonia and died)
I really can't stay (Get over that, hold out)
Ahh, but it's cold outside
Where could you be going, when the wind is blowing, and it's cold outside?
Baby, it's cold, cold, outside.

Man, it really has been cold here. I woke up on the 22nd to several inches of snow on the ground. My youngest brother, Mason, was in the backyard throwing snowballs and making snow angels, which was definitely camera worthy. I took an entire roll of him playing in the snow and I am glad I did because how often do we see a white Christmas in Texas?

I cannot believe Christmas has already come and gone. Soon it will be the start of a new semester, new classes, etc. Time really does fly. Next week I will be in Colorado snowboarding, which I am both excited and anxious about. I realized how soon that trip is coming up this afternoon while talking to a friend; maybe I should start getting things packed and ready. When I looked at the calendar before Christmas break I was like, "An entire month off? What am I going to do?", but the days have gone by quickly, filled with road trips and shopping, spending time with my family and meeting friends for coffee. I am sad it is almost over, but I am excited about my new schedule and beginning the second semester of grad school.

Christmas was terrific this year! As always, after opening presents around the tree, we headed to my grandmother's house for more presents around the tree and the ever-anticipated Christmas Day meal. Needless to say, I ate a ton of food and took a long nap (both are traditions for me). This year was different than any Christmas' I remember because for the first time no one in my house was waiting for Santa to come. It is sad not having any children in the house. No one to place cookies and milk beside the fireplace, no one running barefoot through the house screaming, "Santa came! Santa came!" This year my dad did not stick his boots in the soot and ashes to show where Santa had walked through the house, which was always my personal favorite. No questions about Santa and his reindeer. No kids thinking they see the sleigh way up in the sky or hear the bells or footsteps on the roof. I love all of that stuff and I missed it this year. Though Santa Clause is a fictional character, I find myself still wanting to believe in a jolly old man in a red furry suit with a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly and that, with the aid of his flying reindeer--- one with a red, shiny nose, can make it throughout the entire world, down every chimney, taking presents to good little boys and girls all in one night. The story of Santa never fails to put a smile on my face, as unbelievable as it is. I am so thankful that we, as Christians, have an even more incredible story to tell, though it seems unbelievable as well. That a virgin-mother gave birth to a baby in a manger one cold winter night. That wisemen from afar followed a star which led them to the baby. That the baby was the son of God. That as he grew to be a man and walk this earth he would go through trials and persecution though he was blameless. That he would be led to a cross to die for all of our sins so that we may live. Isn't that an even better story? Santa eats our cookies and gives us presents. Jesus gives us abundant love and the promise of eternal life.