The Santa picture gave me a chuckle! Put me in mind of when Harrison was 3 years old - his preschool had a visit from Santa, who coincidentally lived 2 blocks behind us and I'd walk Harrison almost every day in the stroller and we'd stop to say hello. Well, Harrison didn't recognize him ... and had lots of questions for "Santa!" He wanted to know where the sleigh was because he couldn't see it in the parking lot. Santa said he brought the black bronco because Federal Aviation laws stated he had to leave the sleigh at the airport. Harrison asked if he could see the truck - Santa said "Sure!" and took him out and let him crawl around in it. Then Harrison (who has never liked milk) asked if he REALLY liked milk and cookies. Santa told him he did, but he'd really rather have a beer after all that work! From then on, our Christmas tradition was leaving Santa a beer and cookies!

I did a "first" today! I made peanut blossoms - I really like those, but never make them because Harrison is allergic to peanuts. I figured he's old enough now, so the rest of us can enjoy them. He has never had a terrible allergy - immunologist says that's because we never exposed him to anything peanut - his first exposure was at 6 years old. He reacted like crazy in testing though. Immunologist also said each exposure, he'd have a worse reaction. He despises the smell of peanut butter (says it makes him gag) so he's never wanted it, but he does like certain things made with it ... especially Butterfingers! Every Halloween, I'd let him have one of those mini ones. Two years ago, I let him manage his own candy and told him not to eat all the mini Butterfingers he got. The next day, he got up, walked in the kitchen and said "Mom, I feel horrible." I turned and looked at him and he was covered in hives (literally head to toe), his eyelids and lips were swollen. So I told him that was it - he was DONE with anything peanut! My dad was also allergic (hives as well); however my neice (hello Martha if you're reading!) is one of those people that goes into shock if she's near peanuts. I just don't want Harrison to get to that point if we can avoid it!

So, the snow storm is on it's way - 6 to 10 inches the weather report says. Kids are hoping for a snow day to start vacation early. My supervisor called (tomorrow is final exam day at the university) and instructed me on contingent plans if we have to close the university. Quite honestly, I'm dreading driving there and back if it's not closed! Let's all hope for a snow day!