Family Traditions

Most families have their own traditions as far as the holidays go. My family is no exception to this, hence the title of this post. With Thanksgiving coming up I was thinking about what I am most thankful for - and that is my family. My dad's side of the family is quite large. I am the youngest of 13 grandchildren, from the 6 children of my grandparents (who each came from families of 13 kids each). Before I was born Thanksgiving was always held at my grandparent's house. It was a chance for everyone to catch up and all of the cousins to get to play together. But, by the time I came along, all of the individual families had started doing their own dinners on thanksgiving (I am the youngest by 10 years).

In 2004 my cousin Jeff had a wonderful idea to start having a big family meal again. It was planned that the Sunday before Thanksgiving we would have an early Thanksgiving for the whole family to get together. Our new tradition was that we would make a main course as our great grandmother would have. We each bring a dish, but cook something (this year it was chicken pot pie) in kettles over an open fire outside. We have made chicken corn soup, apple butter, and the traditional turkey. It has been so great for all of the family to get to pitch in and spend the day together. This is what I am thankful for. It is also great that the great grandchildren and the great-great grandchildren have an opportunity to get to know one another as some of them live a few hours away.

My grandfather just had his 90th birthday in September and God willing we will have him for years to come, but it is wonderful to see his joy at having the whole family together. Here is the family photo from this year (minus about 18 people):



This represents my dad and his brothers and sisters and their families. This gives you an idea of how large our family is. The extended family is huge! I'm constantly finding out about more cousins ;0). So, I hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Eat lots of turkey, spend time with loved ones, and then take a nap! :0)

I'm thankful

I was looking at what I have been posting lately, and it got me thinking. Quite a few of the posts are about things that are going wrong or just unpleasant things that I have been going through. There is absolutely nothing wrong with writing about those things and writing them out is cathartic and makes me feel better. That being said, it has been a while since I have written about something happy.

As is true for many, for every one bad thing in life there are so many more good things. Even just the little things. So I decided to cheer up by writing about what I am thankful for in my life. I will even spare my usual long-windedness and use bullets ;0). Your welcome!

So, I am thankful for the following things:

• For a wonderful family who would do anything for each other, no matter what.
• Good health.
• The fact that I do have a job, even if it isn't wonderful and doesn't pay me enough ;0)
• A roof over my head...even if it is a never ending construction nightmare.
• Good memories...even when the house (my parents' house) is sold, I will still have the memories to look back on.
• A loving partner (Tony) who excepts me for who I am, and what I am/am not.
• My dogs...enough said ;0)

I try my best to see the bright side to everything, but sometimes it's hard. There are many more things that I am thankful for, but I don't want anyone falling asleep on me ;0)

So, I hope everyone is easing into the week without any problem! It is supposed to be warm and sunny here today, so that is good. Hopefully Buddy and I will take a long walk when I get home from work, that will be nice. Only three days till Friday!