Houston Christmas

My last Christmas of the season was with my father’s side of the family in Houston.  Many of you know this if you have read my blog for an extended period of time, as I have talked about my cousins on my blog before.  But two of my cousins, Jacki and Scott, are more like my brother and sister than my cousins. While we were kids, during the summers they would come over to our house every weekend.  We would swim and play hide and seek in the neighborhood.  Most of my memorable childhood antics involve both of them.  As we got older, they “watched us” all summer while our parents were at work.  We have more inside jokes and memories than most cousins.  Which means Christmas with my dad’s side of the family is always fun. 

We have celebrated Christmas with them as long as I can remember.  We celebrated at different places each year growing up, but since Jacki started popping out babies, we have celebrated Christmas at her house.  I always enjoy Christmas at her house because it feels like home.  Don't misunderstand, I always feel at home with my parents, because their house will always be my home. But I love that part of my extended family feels like immediate family too.  If that makes any sense... I also love Christmas at Jacki's because I get to help make the food.  This year we (Jacki and I) made a cheesecake, lemon squares and I made the fruit salad (which sounds easy but involved pomegranate, thank you very much).  I would have helped with more, but I started entertaining her children at one point and didn’t get back to the kitchen.  Next year, perhaps.

Anyway, I love family when it doesn’t feel forced.  I love sitting around and laughing about the past.  I love catching up on the last year and talking about the future.  I love playing with my precious second-cousins and hoping that one day they will be for my kids what Jacki and Scotty were for me and my brother. 

Jacki, thanks for hosting again.  Thanks for letting me stay with you.  I love our late night conversations.  Can’t wait till next year! 

Gilmer Christmas

Christmas in East Texas is always crazy.  My cousins’ kids all open their presents at the same time, as does my grandmother, which basically means there is mass chaos for about 10 minutes and then a floor full of discarded boxes and paper.

The calm before the storm…

Opening presents

After the kids are done opening their presents, the “adults” have a white elephant gift exchange which is a little less chaotic but much more cut-throat.  Note to those looking join us next year, lotto tickets are a big hit with the men in my family.  BIG HIT.

I ended up with a white fluffy blanket.  I love it.  I maybe brought it as my gift for the exchange. But people stole what I unwrapped, so why not leave with what I came with…  I liked it enough to bring it, after all.  Is that a party foul?

Meagan, Me, Sierra

Uncle Lynn, Grandma, Mom

Christmas Morning

On Christmas day we headed to East Texas to celebrate with my mom’s side of the family.  Before hitting the road, we opened presents and stockings.   

I got an i-pod nano. It is so tiny. I can’t wait to use it. Yea for an excuse to work out!

My brother got a puzzle box, which he opened in about 20 seconds. Luckily there was a gift card inside.

Christmas Eve

This year for Christmas Eve, I went over to my parents house and celebrated Christmas with my parents, brother, sister, and brother-in-law.  We opened presents and played games.   

As for games, this year Mexican Train and Farkle won out.  My dad smoked us at Farkle. The evening was relaxing and enjoyable… something I always look forward to during the holiday craziness. 

My sister is getting a little older…  She had to hold the book a little further away than last year.