Christmas Thoughts

This Christmas is going to be tough. It will be my very first without my family. I will miss the big family gatherings, the homemade chili on Christmas eve, The big family gift exchange that is always good for a laugh. I will miss watching my family open presents, and GULP, I will even miss the SNOW! (BUT ONLY ON CHRISTMAS)
It snowed here the other night (in Louisiana? yep) But of course it did not stick. Joe and I just sat on the front porch and watched it fall. I giggled a little :) I always took for granted having snow for the Holidays. I never thought how cheerful a fresh blanket of snow could be.
I never took my family for granted (and i hope that they know that). At times I miss them so much that my heart physically aches. I miss my Mom, her home cooked meals, her Christmas platters of goodies she always gave away, especially her Jalapeno cheese logs YUM! I miss my dad, he is always so caring and loving and can always bring a smile to your face. I miss my sister who is my Hero in every way. My Nieces and Nephew and the excitement they exude during the Holidays, they always make me laugh. I even miss the quiet nature of my brother in law. I will miss everything I have come to know over the last 25 years.
But gladly this Christmas won't be all about missing things and sadness. It would be far worse if we had moved somewhere where we knew no one. I am so thankful that Joe's family is here and that they are so welcoming and loving. I am excited to see what traditions they have and how much fun we will have.
I am also excited to begin some new traditions ourselves. Maybe making homemade cookies for Santa, or making some Christmas crafts as a family, or I might deviate from the opening all the presents on Christmas Eve (besides the ones Santa brings that night) and just wait til morning. But I have a feeling I won't have the patience for that one :) I am interested to know what fun Christmas traditions all you out there in Blog Land and your families share?
On an end note. I am so blessed to have my Husband and 3 little ones with me. To be surrounded by Love. And to know that I have already received the best gift of all.
Much Love to you all. Or should I say Y'all ( hey I'm southern now. lol.) And
MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Thanksgiving ( a little late, sorry)

Thanksgiving was fun. Not the same but fun. All of Joey's family here in Louisiana went to their other sides of family for the holiday so we just had a quiet holiday with ourselves. It was just Joe, the Kids, Myself, and Joey's Dad Vincent. I cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner all by myself, I was a little scared. But it turned out great. I cooked a turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, candied yams, and cornbread dressing. We also had store bought rolls, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie.

I had never cooked a turkey before, but a after some google-ing I had a pretty good idea of what to do (thank you google). It turned out great. And the cornbread dressing was just like my moms, so it made me feel good. But I did miss what I am use to. I have a huge family on my mom's side and usually after we eat everyone talks and laughs and jokes. But since it was just us it was so quiet it didn't feel natural. I am thankful that I have a big family. I miss them so much.

But being out here, so far away, is going to give us the opportunity to start new family traditions, and to become part of different ones with Joe's family. I am thankful that we do have family here. It would be so much harder if we didn't.

Simple Joys

Need I say more?