glad tidings

I love this time of year. The temperature drops yet, I am filled with so much warmth. I anxiously await the mailman in hopes of finding Christmas Cards from friends and family that I miss dearly. I get to drink hot cocoa more often - really, what a lovely drink! And, replace "see you later" with "Merry Christmas". I am trying to take it all in this year. Because I find, most years, it is over before I know it.



It has been a good year for us. Lots of changes. Our first semester on our own has really gone by quickly for me...and for Chris too. We really like being in Cleveland so far. And while most days are good, I confess, I still yearn to be back "home". (I put home in quotations because I have a few places I call home. Utah is one of them and where we will be traveling this year to visit family.)

I miss being apart of my family's lives. Seeing their expressions as we talk about our week. I miss hearing my nieces and nephews laugh wildly in the background as we chat around the table after a meal. I miss eating out at our favorite places (Cafe Rio and In N Out, here I come!) I miss the scenery: the mountains, my parents' street, and the views of the city from the I15 freeway.

I didn't always feel this way about Utah. I thought I would never love a place as much as my hometown in California. My first few years of college, I used to wonder why people lived in Utah - I probably offended a few people with my questions! I couldn't appreciate it then-I hadn't had enough time with it or fond memories of it yet. Obviously, that has changed. Someday, I know that I will become attached to Ohio and all that will have happened here. But, for now, I am still a bit uncomfortable in my surroundings and I have new friendships that have yet to be broken-in. All in time.

So I guess what I am saying is: I am thrilled to be going home this year for Christmas! And as a bonus, have Chris all to myself for 3 whole weeks!

This is our Christmas card this year: (if you would like a mailed copy...let me know!) We struggled with our picture choice...and to be honest I am not ecstatic about our decision...but what can you do?

{home sweet home}