Story Behind the Pic: December

It's time for my monthly link up! All you have to do is share a pic of yours and explain the story behind it. It's easy and any type of blog can participate. And today I'm sharing a couple of Christmas pics.

Christmas, like many of us, is my fave time of year. But I admit, I was dreading Christmas a little this year, due to the deaths of my Daddy (59) and my friend JeWa (34). It took me a bit longer to get in the Christmas spirit, but I'm so glad I did. I know once I make it through this first year, I'll be able to look back at all of the memories and smile instead of being sad. I'm on the right track with these two Christmas pics that make me so happy:

This pic is a pic of a pic, so excuse the quality. When I think of my childhood Christmas, I'm immediately taken back to my Great Granny Sugar's house. This was when everyone was together--no one had really moved away or gotten divorced yet. We used to have Christmas at Sugar's house and I have such fond memories there. It pretty much looked the exact same my whole life until she passed away almost 4 years ago and my uncle bought her house.

This is my sister Jess and I in our new winter coats from JCPenney. I think I was 6 here. Since my family is made up of mostly guys (there are 4 girls total), my sis and I were treated like princesses. This coat began my affair with the color red. We thought we were so cool! Mind you this is in South Georgia where it doesn't get cold but we were prepared! We are both wearing blue velvet dresses. Despite us being 21 months apart and different as night and day, we were dressed often alike for some reason. I loved those dresses, and my coat.

In the background you see my Daddy, sitting on my Granny's gas heater, rocking his denim-on-denim look and his mullet! Ha! He always had a beard and mustache. Oh, the 80s! He was such a cool guy and rode a motorcycle then. I have the same exact color of eyes as him, so I always say when I miss him, I just look at my eyes and he's there.

So I decided I wasn't going to send Christmas cards this year, so I skipped the offer from Minted--I think everyone did that one and I'm kicking myself. Anyway, Sunday night I decided to send them. I volunteered Charlie, my dog, to pose in various outfits and backgrounds. He hated it. I loved it. Treats were definitely used.

The one I picked for my card is SO cute. I'll post it Christmas Day for those who didn't ask for a card. But this one is an outtake in front of the tree.  How cute is this little guy? I've spoken of his story before, but he's a rescue. I've never met anyone who's met Charlie who didn't fall in love. He's adorable and he's also a sweetie. Even people who can't stand dogs or animals fall under his spell. My late friend JeWa (aka Jessica aka Jiggy) was the only person who called him Charles.

He also brings out the best in dogs, too. I cannot tell you how many times owners will come to me with tears in their eyes after their dog plays with Charlie. "My dog doesn't like other dogs, but loves yours!" they'll say. Or my favorite, "My dog hasn't played like this in years! But look at her with Charlie! She looks like a puppy again!" It's so sweet.

Link up!


Extra Elle:
--Finally chilly enough for a fire this past weekend. I'll take it.
NEXT LINK UP: January 19th