Home away from home.

It's a curse; moving away from home. You're raised and taught to believe that to leave the nest, take that first step out into the real (big) world is an accomplishment. Don't get me wrong, I believe it is. But, then you spend the rest of your life missing something. Home. 

I realize I have a home of my own now and I share it with an amazing family. I honestly, wouldn't have it any other way. I love my home in our little apartment in Grand Haven. I enjoy sitting in my living room playing with E and talking to R about work, future plans, etc. But, right around this time every year, when the roads are dangerous to travel on, I want to return to my childhood home.

I miss it more than anything. I miss Mom's cooking, Dad walking in the door to greet us with "Ladies!!" (you all know the sound), seeing my siblings all at once, watching White Christmas with Mom, playing games and the smell of wood burning in the wood stove. 

White Christmas

I suppose it's one of those things I'll add to my bittersweet list. 

There will never be enough time in life to spend with the ones you love. 

Luckily, my parents, my siblings, R and E will all be in one place, together on Christmas day. Somehow, all of a sudden, it's easier for my parents to make the trip here this year. I am so thankful they want to and can come stay in our neighborhood to celebrate Christmas. 

Christmas morning couldn't come soon enough. I definitely feel like a kid again, looking forward, anticipating with high hopes a very Merry Christmas. 

Keep loving.