Well, I've been a terrible little blogger lately, haven't I? Admittedly, I've been a busy little bee--working on starting a couple new divisions in our company, and, lately, driving all over God's green (and increasingly gloriously fall-colored!) earth giving Open Enrollment presentations.
But today, I'm taking the time to write something because, first and foremost, my Aunt told me to, and secondly, because there is, in fact SOMETHING on my heart that I'm finta' get mushy about, ya'll.
If you're with me here in the ATL, you know there's suddenly been a serious chill in the air. While I MUCH prefer the warm weather, skirts and flip flops, there's always something magical and nostalgic about the cold. It signals a little rest for the weary during the holidays, and old family traditions that come to life again, even though I'm (ugh) 31 and no longer (technically) a child.
For those interested, this is what Christmas typically looks like around my family. Sorry, Ryan. Sorry, Dad. And you're welcome Mom--you'd kill me if I posted the picture of you that I really wanted to post!!
 |
| What is Christmas without Peanut M&Ms?? And bubble wrap all up under yo' toboggan? |
 |
| This was probably our crowning glory moment of 2005. |
 |
| Ah, the "Bear Feet" slippers. These are mom's feet, but I'm VERY pleased to report that these slippers are currently in my possession. |
 |
| There is always at least one cat in at least one box. Always. |
Aaaaahhhhh, yes. Holidays with my family always means lots of relaxing, sweatpants and home made goodies. And the chill in the air has me particularly excited for THIS Christmas. Not only because I love the time spent with Husband, Mom, Dad, Ryan, Bethany and the little Nugget...but because THIS year....we get Grandma! That's right.
 |
| You're looking at 4 generations of Kiesshauer goodness right here! |
My little Grandma...she's the only one I've got, and on the days I let myself think about it, it makes me quite sad that I don't see her very often. But she lives up in PA in a little town called Nazareth. So she's far. And she HATES flying. Hates it. I get it. I mean, I'm a hot mess when I have to get on a plane these days, too.
Not only do we get Grandma, but we are renting a house in Big Canoe. THIS HOUSE: http://www.vrbo.com/476218.
Um, can we say excited?!
Now, lest I fail to mention that Christmas with my family means Thanksgiving with Husband's family. One of the great things about marriage is that you get to discover a completely new set of traditions with your spouses family. And Husband's family....well, there is never a dull moment. Here's what the holidays look like when we're with them: (Sorry Davey, but not really.)
 |
| Pretending to fall off a mountain in the Great Smokies National Park. |
 |
| Dressing up like Gangsters and Taking Photos |
 |
| And Elf Shorts. (A little Christmas cheer for all the single ladies out there.) |
Anyway, suffice it to say I am a very thankful girl. Thankful for my family, both immediate and extended, for all the memories we've already created, and all the new memories to come this year.
Thus, despite my ice-cube-feeling toes, I shall embrace the cold as it comes. Because (next week) it means 3 years married to the best man I could have ever hoped for. It means Thanksgiving with Husband's family. It means Christmas with a cancer-free Mom that will feel good enough to make (and eat!) all our favorite holiday meals. It means Grandma.
Truly, what more could a girl ask for?!
HUGS!!
S
