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