Missing This...

I'm gonna be sappy today. Deal with it. :)

Due to the holiday season, all that has been on my mind is being around friends, and most importantly family. That is why I am dedicated to back home. I was lucky enough to go home to Bakersfield for a week during Thanksgiving week, and I truly deeply miss it.

I don't think there is anything better than cuddling up under a blanket, next to our fireplace drinking hot chocolate and looking at the Christmas tree. (Yes my mom has it up by Thanksgiving, and yes that is totally okay with me) 

The holiday season always makes me want to go home, but this year is the worst. Maybe it is because I'm not in school anymore and I don't have a Christmas Break anymore. I know Bakersfield doesn't sound  like the MOST exciting place in the world, but I truly love it there. Especially when my mom gets the tree up. She has a true eye for design, and the tree is FABULOUS every single year.

I love the rich colors and the oversize ornaments! 

I dare you to look at the Christmas tree and not smile! I know it isn't traditional Christmas colors, but that is what I love about it! My mom's style isn't traditional, she loves to dance to the beat of her own drum in all the best ways! She is ahead of the curve, and I like to think she is where I get my sense of style from...like this little winter number...

Yup, that is a snow suit. Yup, those are bear ears on the hood. 

There are also a few little tiny other reasons I love visiting home. No, literally, they are little ones...

Should we all just say it together? Alright all together now..."Awwwww!" These are my family's pups (remember? To me they will always be puppies) and I love them. Coming home to their eager faces, makes me smile every single time. It always makes me feel special that they remember and love me, even if I am gone for months at a time. 

Finally, I am sorry to break it to all you guys because I am sure you have great families BUT I have the greatest family in the whole wide world! I know I have talked about it before, but my family is supportive and loving and just a LITTLE bit crazy. The perfect mix! When we all get together it is guaranteed to be an great time with tons of laughs and love. 

The Mercados. Yes ladies, my brother on the far right is SINGLE!

So, that is where I am missing today. The good news is my mom and dad are visiting this weekend! So even though I didn't get to visit what I am missing this moment, they are bringing the best parts of it to me! 

So what about you? What are you missing this holiday season? I am sure there are plenty of things that have a warm place in your heart. 

Oh, and DON'T forget to enter my giveaway HERE!

Home for the Holidays Complications.