Family Time

The holiday's are filled with Christmas parties, family get togethers, and being taken out of your normal routines and put into situations that you just aren't always use to.  This holiday season was a little different for me because it may be my last Christmas with my family.  Next year, I could easily be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. (The perks to working in the service industry. Not!)

This Christmas I was lucky enough to get two weeks off to come home and spend time with my family.  Four years ago, you couldn't have paid me for those two weeks off with nothing to do but spend time with my family.  As I get older, I am starting to realize what is truly important to me.  My family.  I am lucky enough to have two great-grandmothers still living! I am extremely grateful that my grandparents are walking distance from my house.  I took that for granted in high school... a lot! 

The one thing that I never thought I would say only a few short years ago, but I have thoroughly enjoyed spending two weeks with my parents.  My Dad and I have taken long runs together and my Mom and I have shopped and enjoyed baking/eating together.  Who would have thought that my parents would be some of my best friends? Like my Papa always said, "One day you'll realize just how smart your parents really are" and I have come to realize that very quickly.

This year I was lucky enough to be roommates with my brother.  In high school, I would have dreaded this situation but it has helped us develop a stronger brother/sisterly bond.  Spending time with him as been a blessing this holiday season as well seeing as he has a bowl game to get to tomorrow.  He as only been home three days but it has been a lot of fun having the whole gang together.

My little sister Jaime has had an exciting two weeks (when does she not?).  She was accepted to Auburn, she's had dance/band practice almost everyday, she went to her last DD Dance, and still managed to keep a social life and see the family (a little bit).  I have given her a hard time these last few weeks because I don't see or talk to her that much because I'm in Auburn and she's here in Oxford.  But I know she is still being the social butterfly she's always been.  I can't fault her for being herself.  

My mom mentioned yesterday, "there is something about having everyone together" and there really is.  I'm not a mom (and won't be for A WHILE!!!!!) but when we are all together, yes we drive each other crazy sometimes, but it's like the puzzle is completed.  All the weird, unique pieces fit together to make this crazy family and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Merry Christmas everyone,

Kayla

Happy Holidays!

This year, for some reason, I have been in extraordinarily holiday spirited! (haha) Christmas music isn't always my favorite but I find myself only wanting to hear Christmas music.  For the past two weeks, all I've wanted to see is Home Alone (my favorite Christmas movie).  I haven't seen any Christmas movies until tonight when Brenden texted me and told me Home Alone 2 was on. YAY! I want to watch old cartoons like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.  Buying Christmas gifts has been on my mind for about two weeks now and I think I am over half way finished now.

Normally around the holidays, I like to decorate but I try to stay away from the normal Christmas routines.  This year, I have been complete opposite.  Don't let the holiday blues come over you.  Yes most people are in a bad mood this time of year because of the crowds (and who wouldn't be if you went out to the stores or tried to get anywhere in under 10 minutes).  Let the little things carry you through the holiday season.  Share to one person this year what the true meaning of Christmas is.  Giving and receiving is always fun but the real meaning is that Jesus Christ was born.  Let that be the reason to have extraordinary holiday spirit be because of Him.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!