Wednesday Hodgepodge

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The Questions and the Answers

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?

From Left: Jared, Daddy, Granny, Me, and Laynie, circa 1992

I would love to have been able to hold onto the traditions of my childhood when it comes down to the holidays. We always went to my Granny Gunter’s house, without fail.  I never had to wonder where we’d eat Thanksgiving dinner. It was like an unwritten law that we would be at Granny’s for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I looked forward to it every year. I had access to all 4 of my grandparents year-round as they all lived within 13 miles of our homeplace. This special meal made visits to Granny’s even more special. I cherish those memories, even with the arguing that always happened between mama and Granny.

Baby Laynie

Now, things have changed. Our kids are spread all over the country. Laynie is here with us and we cherish this time with her. This year, it will be the three of us, along with grand-dogger Petra and froggy Vivaldi. I do the cooking myself and I love cooking!

We don’t have a set time for the meal as we aren’t having to cater to the needs of visiting family or friends. We just eat when we’re ready or, actually, as soon as all the food is ready, even if that is at 2am. :)

Baby Davey

I have celebrated Thanksgiving once without most of our family. Our first year here in Texas, David and most of the kids went to his mother’s house for Thanksgiving.  I didn’t feel welcome in her home and so I decided to stay home. Our youngest son wanted to stay home with me so that I wouldn’t be alone. He wasn’t a crowd-lover anymore than I am. Our menu was altered that year. I cooked his favorite foods. That Thanksgiving, we had pork chops and mashed potatoes.  I felt incredibly loved and so very lonely at the same time.  This year, he celebrates his first Thanksgiving as a married man.

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?

It is very difficult for me to ask for help.  I have always, even from babyhood, been a very independent, I’ll-do-it-myself type of person. It was always a source of discord between my mama and myself. I don’t like to feel like I can’t do it myself. However, certain health limitations have brought me to the realization that I have to ask for help sometimes or I will do without whatever it is. So, I’ve gotten a little better about asking for help when I need it.

3. Abundance...what is there an abundance of in your kitchen?

Everything! At the moment, there is an abundance of food. I’m fine with that. :)  Cooking starts later this morning!

4. Name...the smallest thing you're thankful for? the biggest?

The smallest thing that I am thankful for is my wedding ring.  It means that I have someone to share my life with.  The biggest thing that I am thankful for, I guess would be this house in regards to size of things. Otherwise, the biggest thing is love of family and memories that feel like hugs from those that have gone on to their rewards.

5. Key...What do you think is the key to living a more grateful life?

I think one key to living a thankful life is to always, every day, thank Heavenly Father for something, even if you’re feeling more like whining and complaining. No matter how rotten life may seem at the moment, there is *always* something to be thankful for, even if it is only a little purple flower surprising you in the yard or a kitty twirling around your leg.

6. State your own random thought here.

My thoughts right now are consumed with an impending hospital admission that I hope never happens. David’s foot is in terrible condition, the worst his doctor has seen it since the necrosis that caused the amputation of his right big toe. This time, his entire lower leg is in jeopardy. He wanted to go ahead and admit him to the hospital, but decided to try and different treatment along with antibiotics to see if it responded. We go back next Monday to see if it has improved, stayed the same, or worsened. If there isn’t significant improvement - we’re praying for total healing! - he will be admitted to the hospital for the doctor to try to save his leg.  Thank you for any prayers that you can send up for his healing.

Have a blessed day and a very Happy Thanksgiving, y’all!

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