Thanksgiving Memories

[Joyce Dixon]

I thought it would be fun to share Thanksgiving memories.

For decades my family hosted the family reunion each Thanksgiving. My father was the youngest of 12, so about 120 from different generations were wandering our house and yard. The cooking started two days before and all night the day of the event. I can smell the turkey, breads and pies right now.

[Laura Beth DeHority]

Now thats a crowd! My fondest memories were of my dad cookin' something. He was the first to smoke a turkey and my family was in the peanut oil business so we fried turkeys long before Costco ever sold turkey fryers! My mom still makes the best oyster dressing! I am always baking! This year will be a happy new tradition..spending the holidays with my mothers new husband (She is 77 and he is 80) and his family. Everyone will be at our house, so I'm cooking for 14. I can't wait!

[~ amy]

One of my favorite memories as a child was Thanksgiving at my dad's parents. My grandmother wasn't the the best cook, but she made some killer homemade chocolate ice cream. So, all through the morning and meal, I could here the churning of the ice cream maker and my mouth would water. I'd eat anything my parents told me to, as long as I could get some ice cream :)

This year, I think we started a new tradition with my husbands family. We have 4 kids and so does his brother & sister, making 1 dozen grandkids! The kids put on a talent show. It was so great to watch them dance, sing, and tell jokes & stories. I laughed till I cried at some of them. The most amazing thing to me was watching my oldest daughter completely come out of her shell. (My youngest daughter, Sarah, never had a shell) She was so nervous, but at the same time, she desperately wanted to participate. And, when she did, it was FABULOUS! This is something we'll certainly be doing again next year :)

[Shellie R. Tomlinson]

I'm sad!!! I didn't see this discussion before Thanksgiving. (Hmmm...I've got to check the settings. I thought I was supposed to get an email about every new post. Something to check into.) But back to Thanksgiving. Joyce! I didn't know your father was one of 12. Mercy! I reckon the cooking did start days before. :) I hope this Thanksgiving for you was as pleasant as the memories of those in your heart!

[Shellie R. Tomlinson]

Oh, I think it is so wonderful that your mother found another love at 77! I pray it will be a happy union.

Laura Beth DeHority said:

Now thats a crowd! My fondest memories were of my dad cookin' something. He was the first to smoke a turkey and my family was in the peanut oil business so we fried turkeys long before Costco ever sold turkey fryers! My mom still makes the best oyster dressing! I am always baking! This year will be a happy new tradition..spending the holidays with my mothers new husband (She is 77 and he is 80) and his family. Everyone will be at our house, so I'm cooking for 14. I can't wait!

[Shellie R. Tomlinson]

I love it! I'm smiling at the idea of Maddy coming out of her shell and Sarah never having one. Well said. What was Maddy's talent?


~ amy said:

One of my favorite memories as a child was Thanksgiving at my dad's parents. My grandmother wasn't the the best cook, but she made some killer homemade chocolate ice cream. So, all through the morning and meal, I could here the churning of the ice cream maker and my mouth would water. I'd eat anything my parents told me to, as long as I could get some ice cream :)

This year, I think we started a new tradition with my husbands family. We have 4 kids and so does his brother & sister, making 1 dozen grandkids! The kids put on a talent show. It was so great to watch them dance, sing, and tell jokes & stories. I laughed till I cried at some of them. The most amazing thing to me was watching my oldest daughter completely come out of her shell. (My youngest daughter, Sarah, never had a shell) She was so nervous, but at the same time, she desperately wanted to participate. And, when she did, it was FABULOUS! This is something we'll certainly be doing again next year :)

[~ amy]

Mady & Sarah did a song and dance routine. They made up the dance to a song from a Barbie movie. It was complete with harmony, accidently of course. They were just singing what they heard on the movie. It was really great.(Of course, I am their mother)

Shellie R. Tomlinson said:

I love it! I'm smiling at the idea of Maddy coming out of her shell and Sarah never having one. Well said. What was Maddy's talent?


~ amy said:

One of my favorite memories as a child was Thanksgiving at my dad's parents. My grandmother wasn't the the best cook, but she made some killer homemade chocolate ice cream. So, all through the morning and meal, I could here the churning of the ice cream maker and my mouth would water. I'd eat anything my parents told me to, as long as I could get some ice cream :)

This year, I think we started a new tradition with my husbands family. We have 4 kids and so does his brother & sister, making 1 dozen grandkids! The kids put on a talent show. It was so great to watch them dance, sing, and tell jokes & stories. I laughed till I cried at some of them. The most amazing thing to me was watching my oldest daughter completely come out of her shell. (My youngest daughter, Sarah, never had a shell) She was so nervous, but at the same time, she desperately wanted to participate. And, when she did, it was FABULOUS! This is something we'll certainly be doing again next year :)