Every family has their own Christmas traditions. This year, we broke away from the same-old everyday turkey and ham Christmas dinners and opted for a Christmas brunch on Christmas Eve Day. We had breakfast burritos with lots of salsa, a spinich and mushroom quiche, three different breakfast cassaroles, pigs in a blanket, and my personal favorite, mimosas! We had family there spaning four generations. Needless to say, we represented East Texas well, with our front yard looking like a used car lot. The only thing missing were those multi-colored penant flags and the annoying salesman. (Something to strive for next year!) But I think we forged a new Christmas tradition this year. The mimosas just put everyone in the Christmas spirit!
My two little second cousins, Laney (2) and Koryn (4), acted as Santa's little helpers when it came time to pass out the gifts. That, (and these adorable little aprons mom got for them), earned them the privilege of helping Granny make the Christmas cookies this year. This is one Christmas tradition that I hope never goes away. I think they ate more cookie dough than was left to make cookies! 
Rusty and I really enjoyed the cookies! Aren't we the cutest brother and sister you ever did see? 
So here's to Christmas traditions! May every year bring such fun memories, wonderful food and the best family I could hope for.
I'm definately in a slump right now. Not a life slump, just a dating slump. I'm actually really happy right now. Finally. It took me a while to get there, but I have arrived. I have great friends, a good job, the prospect of owning my own business if I choose, the ability to pack up and move to New York if I want. I only have to make up my mind and follow it, and I don't have a deadline to rush me. I realized this past week that I am in a great place in life. (Thanks, roomie-sister!)Now, about this dating slump. Most often, the best way out of a slump is to approach the problem from a different angle. Well, as the only angle I've used thus far has been to do next to nothing, finding a new perspective shouldn't be extremely difficult. My plan is to actually be a girl. (Surprised!?) I have actually been attracting attention since I started wearing makeup and fixing my hair and just generally caring about my appearance. I know, I know.... you've been telling me that for year(s). But I'm finally believing it. And I love it. So, I'm going to schedule an appointment to get my hair done. Not too short, but flirty and sassy. Maybe lighten my natural strawberry blonde color and add some copper and blonde highlights. Then I'm going shopping for some cute heels and a killer new outfit. Yes, I said killer...I'm going to stop those boys in their tracks! Then I'm going out to a nice club/bar/somewhere that would attract a more mature clientel than the typical college frat hangout, (not that the bar is set high with that qualifier). Or perhaps I'll just go to that college frat hangout and show them what they have to look forward to. Wish you were here to share in my plans and guide me around town, or I were there explore the windy city with you. But we'll coordinate on that when Brad comes to visit!
Its the first day of December. Its actually almost cold outside. My mom is here and lazing back in a chair, reading a book. My dog, Marble, is asleep curled up next to me on the couch. I'm listening to Bing Crosby fill the air with Christmas songs. I suddenly have an urge to put little Santas and snowpeople and lights and candles everywhere. All that's missing is the snow and the tree. The tree I can handle. As for the snow, well, I have a prayer sent up, but if anyone wants to send up reinforcements, I need all the help I can get!
