I spend every Christmas in Houston with my family.

&nbsp;

Mom, in true Mom fashion, tends to spoil everyone with gifts galore.

&nbsp;

Since it's impossible to pack all these gifts in a suitcase, Mom ships the rest of the loot back to me via U.S. mail.

&nbsp;

This year, she waited.  And waited.  And waited.  Until January 21st.

&nbsp;

(insert photo here)

&nbsp;

You would of thought that I would have dove into the box immediately upon arrival, right?

&nbsp;

Well...

&nbsp;

When you're juggling blog, work, puppy, friends, and life,  the box might get stuffed into a closet until there's  free time to unpack, sort, and find a place for everything.  (Like I said, Mom tends to go overboard.  Especially with the kitchen gadgets.)

&nbsp;

I decided to finally haul out the goods when I nearly hyperventilated from working on my taxes.

&nbsp;

(photos -- box)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;