November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving Memories


I love these two pictures of me and my Mom taken at my wedding shower almost 13 years ago. Like many of you out there, I've spent most of this day getting a start on Thanksgiving cooking and while I was alone in the kitchen, I really wasn't. I had my Momma there keeping me company, tucked into my heart like she always is, but especially at Thanksgiving. This was her favorite holiday. Her Thanksgiving spread was her pride and joy and with good reason. She was an amazing cook. I never miss my Mom more or think of her more than I do during the two days of cooking I do for this holiday.

This year it's just our little family and I am feeling thankful for that. I'm also feeling thankful that I'm cooking our meal in my finished (mostly) kitchen! Pictures to come soon, I promise.

I'm trying hard not to race past Thanksgiving to Christmas but it has been a struggle this year. I've been told that I have to wait two hours after we eat before I can start decorating for Christmas, I presume, like swimming, to avoid getting stomach cramps? So at aproximately 4:30 tomorrow I will be diving into the tinsel.

I hope you are all enjoying the process and not stressing out too much. Happy Thanksgiving to you.

21 comments:

  1. No Stress here.....yet. Your mom would be proud of you. Happy Thanksgiving.

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  2. Such beautiful pictures and memories, I'm sure. This is our first thanksgiving without my dad and I think I may be subconsciously racing past it. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and savor...4:30 tomorrow sounds good to me!

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  3. This was lovely! Made me tear up. You are soooo right, she is right there with you. And after the tears you had me laughing at your eagerness to decorate for Christmas. :) Have a wonderful holiday! Kit

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  4. The memory of a loved one is never far away. I like how you described it as having her "tucked into your heart", like always. {{{sigh}}}

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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  5. The memory of a loved one is never far away. I like how you described it as having her "tucked into your heart", like always. {{{sigh}}}

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

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  6. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
    What wonderful memories of your mom...and now you are building those memories for YOUR girls. A wonderful legacy.

    and just a p.s. "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to you and yours-two hours after your Thanksgiving meal!

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  7. Yes indeed- holidays can be so poignant. So many memories are stirred up while stirring the simmering cranberries. I think that's why we need comfort and we find joy there with our loved ones and their memories at the end of it.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  8. Holidays are always a double-edged sword after losing a loved one. What a lovely momma you had, Jen, I'm sure she is right there by your side. Enjoy the Day.

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  9. Love this post and I know what you are feeling. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. New memories are here. Bittersweet.
    She will ALWAYS be with you ~
    Happy Thanksgiving (give thanks that she was YOUR mom)

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  10. Happy Thanksgiving, Jen! It's just me, my husband, our son, and my mom here tomorrow - though hubby has to work, so won't be home until 4.

    Don't rush Christmas! ;-)

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  11. Jen- Thanksgiving was my Mother's favorite Holiday, too, Jen. It is odd sometimes, isn't it, to think we are the oldest women in our family after our mothers pass? Blessings to you and your family in your wonderful little village- xo Diana

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  12. Beautiful photos of you and your mom, I bet she was right there with you, cooking today. Enjoy the holiday and have fun decorating after...bust out the deer and gnomes!!

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  13. Happy Thanksgiving!
    I am also nostalgic with memories of my family today.
    Today the children are scattered, but we are taking dinner into my inlaws....both in their 80s.
    After dinner, we will decorate their house for Christmas.
    My mother in law ADORES Christmas the most.
    It will be good to make her smile!

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  14. Reading your post leaves me a little teary-eyed. Thanksgiving was such a big gathering with my dad's side of the family in Mississippi when I was growing up. When my boys were little, we had many friends here to celebrate the holidays with but over the past 5 years that has changed. Now it is just us so I don't do the big meals anymore (plus I don't eat meat now so no turkey for me). I am going to make pumpkin pie though. Just gotta find some whipped cream because pumpkin pie just isn't complete without it. :) Happy holidays to you and yours! Tammy

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  15. What a lovely tribute to your mom. I hope that you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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  16. beautiful thoughts...
    beautiful images....
    beautiful you.

    ((hugs))

    p.s. your sweet potato casserole was the hit yet again..so thankful you are part of my family's tradition.

    love,
    kim

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  17. I feel for you. I lost my mom two years ago and the holidays have been very difficult because I always shared them with her. She was my best friend and mom rolled up into one. I was blessed.

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  18. I'm sure your mom would be so happy to know you keep her close to your heart in this holiday. I think of my deceased father often and holidays are especially the times I miss him most.

    I can't wait to see your Christmas decorations!

    I'll be looking for sneak peeks on instagram! ;)


    ~Shanon

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  19. Wonderful photos of you and your lovely Mom! I miss my Mother most at Thanksgiving, too! She taught me how to make the most amazing gravy. They are with us in spirit, always.

    Hope your holiday was wonderful and can't wait to see your beautiful Christmas decorating. xx

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  20. She's so pretty, just like her daughter. :) I was thinking of your Mama this weekend. And you, but you already knew that.

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  21. {{{Jen}}} your pictures and post made me cry! And your right, she is always right there with you!
    xoxo

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