Home for the Holidays

I'm so excited! Our house is decorated for Christmas! It is so warm and cozy; the lights really make it festive. I love it this way!
























































On Friday, mom and I did some shopping around for a few basics to get me started. Luckily, I already had a huge ornament collection that I had been working on for the past few years. I have to thank my grandmother for getting me started!! She helps me add to it on every special occasion.
































Anyway, so we got to work and had it all done before we knew it! I am so proud and feel so blessed to have my first tree with my new husband. I can't wait for Christmas Day!

































Thanks, mom, for all of your bow-making expertise. You are so talented. I couldn't have done it without you!

Mmm Mmm Good!

Thanksgiving was SO great! It was a much-needed break from work. I got to see lots of family and friends. We had tons of food, of course! It was a very blessed day :)














One of the best parts was having my dear friend, Mary Catherine, and her mother, sister, and grandmother join us for the festivities. She's like family- so I'm so glad they came!

Give Thanks...

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I love this day. The feasting, fellowship, and family make it one of the greatest days of the year. I'm so thankful for many things in my life. I'm married to the man of my dreams, I have health & happiness, a great job, family, dear friends and a God that loves me. What more can you ask for?

I'm also thankful for the life of my brother this time of year. Each Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the photo below.

Our dear friend, Adam Wantuck, flew a flag over the Middle East in honor of Kyle on Thanksgiving day 2003.

The note says, "Happy Thanksgiving. This one's for you, Kyle. Now you have wings!"

Speed Demon

Dangit! I got a speeding ticket this morning on the way to work. What a bummer!

In my defense, I was driving on this 2 lane highway by my house, that leads to the interstate. It is a straight shot. Not ever many cars. Wide open road. But, the speed limit is only 45! I feel like a snail when I go that slow. So, I got busted going 61 in a 45. Whoooops!!!

Guess I won't be speeding there anymore. Grrrrr.

Griz Game

Last night, we went to a Memphis Grizzlies game with our new friends, Travis and Kayla.
It was pretty fun. They played the Spurs and unfortunately lost. I'd never been to an NBA game, so it was a new experience for me.

Meet the Siscos:

Missing you....

I feel like I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to write about someone very special to me. You see, 5 years ago today, I lost my younger brother Kyle to a car accident. It's hard to believe that so much time has passed. They say time heals all wounds. There's a lot of truth to that. But, you never forget about them. You just learn to live life in a different way and honor their memory.




























Kyle was 15 months younger than me and we were very close growing up. Mom dressed us like twins half of the time. We did everything together. Naturally, we fought like brother and sister, too.






















He was truly hilarious. He marched to the beat of his own drum. He knew how to make you crazy then charm your socks off. He was confident and comfortable in his own skin. People were attracted to him. He knew how to push the envelope. I could tell a thousand stories that would endear you to him.



















My life was forever changed 5 years ago. There has been much pain, sadness and tears shared by many of us left behind. But, I have hope because I'll see him again. Out of all the bad things, there have been many good things, too. I know that he is in the most amazing place. I can't even image how incredible it must be!


























To honor him, I make the most of each day and each breath God gives me. Life is short, so we've all got to enjoy the time we have, and the loved ones around us.

I love you Kyle. I miss everything about you!