"Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow..."

Our family life is full of winter traditions... matching pj's at Christmas, the BCS, the kick off of American Idol, and tons of extended family events. But this week, one Panni tradition blessed all Chattanooga!

Whenever the weather report predicts snow, ice, or a "wintry mix", our children know instantly to wear their pajamas inside out! While meteorologists have multiple computers, satellite imagery, and radar, our family has the sure fire way to make the snow fall. At bedtime, or before, depending on the urgency of the need for snow, our children put on their pajamas-usually the matching sets from Christmas- inside out. All tags and seams must be visible. If the need for wintry weather is extremely important, we wear our pajamas inside out and backwards. We reserve this more intense version of the tradition for times when homework is not completed or a test is scheduled for the next day at school.

Well, Wednesday night was no exception. After hearing the forecast for snow on all four local channels, then confirming it with weather.com, we decided it was indeed time to flip the pj's! We headed to bed full of anticipation with hopes that Thursday would be filled with hot chocolate and snow men. From looking at your own backyard, our deeply scientific method worked!!

Now, I know you may be doubting the effectiveness of our input in the weather, and your probably also doubting our parenting skills by encouraging this for our kids. Let me put your mind at rest... At about 5:30 a.m., our middle son, who had been up through out the night conducting "ground checks" for winter precipitation, had come and gotten in bed with us. He and his dad had seen the snow hours earlier, but I guess he just had to be sure. As he lay beside me, I said, "Well, our inside-out pajamas worked this time." He then put his arm around me, and said, "Mom, you know, God is the One who made it snow. He did it all by Himself." At that, he closed his eyes and rested.... until the sun came up.

-Ruthie