{looking back}

Some of my favorite Christmas memories were made at my Grandmother's house.  We would make the two day drive from Texas and later Tennessee to Illinois and once we arrived  it was like we had stepped into a winter wonderland. It was nothing short of magical to two young girls like my sister and I who didn't get to see much snow living in the south.  I absolutely adored our trips there and getting to spend time with my Grandmother.  Every time we went there it felt like going home.

I remember bunking up in her room for the night, smelling her cold cream, watching Johnny Carson and hearing the whistle of the nearby train while falling asleep.  I'd dress up in her clothes and play with her Avon makeup.  We'd eat until we were stuffed, play cards while sipping tea and explore her snow covered farm.  My sister and I would get to open our matching nightgowns and robes that she had lovingly made for us for Christmas. Those were happy memories indeed.  Now every Christmas my mom, sister and I put out this picture of her house and look back fondly on the memories that we share.