what makes you happy?

The wait is over.. we finally let miss L get her ears pierced! She has been asking for a year or so, and we gave in. I knew she could take care of them herself, and she agreed to wear only non-dangley earrings. I felt okay about it until we watched a boy get both of his ears pierced before her. Something felt really wrong. What in the world was I doing paying someone to put holes in my daughter's ears? Needless to say, I went through with it and she is one happy girl! I'll admit it, I think they are really cute and girly.

Now, I know this shouldn't make her happy, but you know L. (her obsession with doctor stuff and all) She was invited to a roller skating birthday party and, well, need I say more? Instead of being at home and preparing my Thanksgiving feast, I was in the doctor's office getting her x-rays and bandaged. Before we found out it was in fact broken, she said she was hoping to get a cast. She won.

traditions.

This time of year is all about tradition for me. When I made the decision to move across the country without my family, tradition took on a whole new meaning. It is vital to me for L to carry on those rituals that are so ingrained into my soul. Like the sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, baked mac and cheese, orange slice cake, pumpkin cake roll, pecan pie, window clings, and Christmas music. (which is completely acceptable all year round) And FAMILY, oh family. There is nothing like it. The laughs + the memories. (even if Sarah is the only one that can remember some of them) I can't tell you how wonderful it is to sit around with my family and talk about our childhood. I can't believe how much I miss that. It's strange really, not having anyone to reminisce with about your childhood.

I completely look forward to our celebrations this year. I can't wait to go home. I can't wait to see Santa at Grandma W's. I love reading "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" to L time and time again. A few years ago, I could actually recite the entire book from memory we read it so many times!

So with a few window clings from Grandma C, and the chocolate dipping underway, we welcome the holidays and all of the goodness they bring!