i just realized i have the same hairstyle as i did when i was six

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Most days, I figure I am too. However, because this is the most wonderful - and busy - time of the year, I'll try to keep this post as short and sweet as my sister and I were in this antique photo. Before I go on, I'll allow you a moment to get the requisite "Awwww! Weren't you adorable as a six year old!!" out of your system.

Good now? OK.

To me, this picture says a few things.

Me - "Pssst! Since when do we get gifts for Independence Day?"
My sister - "Shhhh! You're going to blow it for Labor Day."

I'm haunted by my great-grandma's love of crocheted apparel and my mom's love of dressing my sister and I alike for a large chunk of our childhood.

Wonder what else I think this photo says? Look in my eyes up there. Can't you just see my brain gears spinning? Based on my gift (do you remember Husker Du?), chances are I was thinking "If there's an Easy Bake Oven under the tree for that kid, I am out of this family tomorrow!"

You can pretty much assume the knowing little smirk on my sister's face was a good indicator of what she ended up getting. Yes, I'm haunted by my sister's keen ability to produce delicious treats with nothing but the power of a light bulb.

I'm also haunted by her blonde, naturally curly hair and the way she shot up past me to a sleek 6'1" in seventh grade and has always been mom's favorite, but bygones. Don't let her adorable face fool you, my friends, for this sweet faced cherub is the same girl who grew up to chuck a knife at me when we were in our 20s.

Anyway, what I want to say with all this is I hope you all have a lovely Christmas with your own family. I'm planning to take some time to fulfill my visions of hugs and happiness and game playing (that Husker Du game is STILL in my mom's basement!) over the next couple weeks. Even now I must be off so the boys and I can go to my mom's to decorate Christmas cookies with my sister and two nieces. If the day dissolves into chaos and knives are tossed, at least they'll be covered in delicious frosting.

Merry Christmas, my friends.