Many thanks to our hostess, Joyce, for giving us this pre-Thanksgiving Hodgepodge! Take a break from the baking and basting to join in HERE!!
1. Tradition...how tightly do you cling to tradition when it comes to holiday gatherings and celebrations? For instance, do you always do the cooking, never eat at home, always go to grandma's, never miss the parade, always watch football, never change the menu, always eat at 2 PM, etc.? Have you ever celebrated Christmas or Thanksgiving away from hearth, home, and family? How did that feel?
We do not cling to tradition, past having a turkey...a BIG turkey so there will be leftovers. The menu stays about the same with a few veggie variations. The time depends on when those joining us can be here. Yes, we have celebrated both holidays away from home. For a few years, we would go to a local golf club for their Thanksgiving buffet, which is amazing and delicious, but we like staying home and having family and friends join us instead.
2. Help...is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?
2. Help...is it easy for you to ask for help or are you a do-it-yourselfer? How is that a good/bad thing?
In my kitchen, I prefer to do it myself but I will easily ask for help when needed. I don't think it is good or bad. I'm not obsessive about it.
3. Abundance...what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?
3. Abundance...what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?
Right now I have an abundance of sugar and flour for holiday baking.
4. Name...the smallest thing you're thankful for? the biggest?
4. Name...the smallest thing you're thankful for? the biggest?
One of the smallest things I'm thankful for is my electric roaster. It holds a big turnkey and roasts it in about four hours. That leaves my oven free for casseroles and rolls. I am thankful for my roaster!
The biggest thing I am thankful for...you can't get much bigger than your home. I am SO thankful for our home here in Mas Verde. Blessed!! (Of course, there are many, many things I am thankful for.)
5. Key...What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?
5. Key...What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?
Faith in God is the key to everything in my life, including how grateful I am for my life, my family, my friends.....
6. State your own random thought here.
6. State your own random thought here.
This time of year causes me to reflect on memories of those we have lost from our earthly lives. Those big family Thanksgiving gatherings full of aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. Loud and very fun gatherings. December is bitter-sweet because we lost Mom and Dad both in December. Dad on December 12th (1989) and Mom on December 30th (1995). We also lost Joe's mom on December 27th (1999). But...my heart is filled with love and sweet memories. The circle of life.
That random thought is just a little depressing, I guess. It is not meant to be because I am not depressed about it or obsessed with it. It's just always on my mind this time of year.
The kids and grandpups will be here later today and I'll be baking, baking, baking!! So excited to have six at our table. Double that would be fine too, but blessed with six place settings!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours (in case I miss you on the day). Peace & hugs!!
The one thing I dislike about going to MIL's for Thanksgiving is I miss having leftovers.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving!
I am strong in traditions. This year, though, there will be no one extra at the table due to my surgery recovery. My mother (Bless her, she has been calling everyday and it seems our relationship is being slowly repaired) is very upset with the FB posting going on with my MIL, she told my husband, "David, you will tell you mother my daughter is resting this Thanksgiving and she is not cooking and you tell your mother I have had enough of her selfishness!" Yes ma'am, done. I am a little melancholy, my husbands uncles 1 year death anniversary is coming up, no uncle this year for the holidays...
ReplyDeleteTerri, like you this time of year brings so many memories from my childhood days. I hope my grands have the same happy memories when they are adults.
ReplyDeleteLove your answers. I miss my family too - boy the holidays were more fun back then. Oh well. Happy Thanksgiving. sandie
ReplyDeleteWe are traditionalists but can also vary, if need be. I love being with my family on any holiday, as it makes it very special. I wish you and Joe the best Thanksgiving ever.
ReplyDeleteI'm not much on traditions... Try to go with the flow. Loved all your thoughts, especially the one about your faith. Hope you and Mr. Joe have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 💜
ReplyDeleteSometimes holidays can be hard-a-days as we reflect on days past and loved ones no longer with us. Your Thanksgiving sounds good and I wish you and your family all the best as you gather together.
ReplyDeleteHave a joyous time together with your family. I understand your thoughts and reflections. We miss so many dear ones, but God keeps adding new members to our family...and the cycle of life goes on and on. We will be a small party of 4 tomorrow...no turkey. We will be a huge party of 20 on Saturday...2 turkeys and a ham! So, God is good and we are blessed. I am thankful for the calm before the storm! :)
ReplyDeleteCUTE blog template design for Thanksgiving!!!
ReplyDeleteHoney Baked Ham has a great turkey breast, so that's what we're having tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Joe!
I lost my own dad unexpectedly on December 6 of 1981, so I get what you're talking about. The Circle of Life is so apt!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to look for one of those electric roasters.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Terri and Joe! Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Dec, has been a hard time for me since my mom passed away. This 1 is going to be just as hard, if not harder since daddy is gone, too. Just have to stay busy & remember all of the good times!
ReplyDelete