I’ve had my cheese fries (pictured above) and enchiladas. I spent time with family over four Christmas celebrations. Now it’s only two days till Florence, Italy and the reality is finally setting in.

The reality of moving is a little daunting right now, so I’m going to show you what a real Kansas Christmas looks like. After the early morning gifts, it’s time for chores:

When chores are finished we make biscuits, gravy, and fried apples.

Finally it’s time to sit around in your overalls and share the warmth from the wood-burning stove with your loved ones.

I’m preparing to make a new home for myself a quarter of the world away. Italy is known for fashion, food, history, and art. Kansas is known for tornados, a yellow brick road, and wheat. Maybe there is somewhere in between. The countdown, the search, and the anticipation have begun!