Family Meal Memories (inspired by Billie Jo)

 

As I started on my list of blogging friends to visit today, the first post I read resonated with me and brought back so many memories, that I thought I would share my own version of Billie Jo's post (HERE).

Though I didn't make a book of recipes to give to the kids, I did make my own photo book last year, of some of the table settings and food we've had at our family dinners. I have so many great memories of all the family dinners we've had with the grown kids and the grandkids and how our crew has grown to 13 people by now. Wow!

But reading Billie Jo's post also reminded me of all the tables I've sat around throughout my lifetime and how they each hold equally special memories in my mind and heart.

First there would be dinners with my mom and brother. I don't know how my mom put dinner on the table every night, while working full time, but she did. I distinctly remember that my brother and I would take turns on different nights, making the sweet tea. That was our job. My mom would make fried steak, spaghetti, sloppy joes and lots of hamburger helper and we loved it all. The only thing I didn't like was the spam and macaroni she would occasionally make. To this day, I cringe when I see a can of spam. 

Then there were dinners with my dad and step mom, Ruby. Ruby would fix lots of food for every meal and it would be a variety of meat, beans, potatoes, mac and cheese, salad (which basically consisted of lettuce and French dressing) and sweet tea. Oh, and dessert. Always dessert. My dad would sit in his chair at the head of the table and tell stories and we would laugh and laugh. My little sister Mandy would sit in her chair, right next to dad, and eat just enough food to earn her the sweets at the end of the meal. Kool-aid and sweet tea were the drinks and there was never a meal without them. 

At Aunt Susie's house, dinner seemed "fancy" because Aunt Susie liked all the fancy dishes and all the formal settings. I don't remember the food as much as her love of setting a good table with nice linens and all the "good" dishes. She could whip up a meal while standing at the stove and make it look so easy. I still admire that about her.

When David and I were newly married and both working and going to college, our menu was the same every single week...tater tot casserole, pork chops, chicken and rice, sandwiches for lunch, and out to eat on Fridays. I would buy my groceries at Sam's and fix the few dishes that I knew how to fix and we were completely satisfied. This was before Pinterest and the internet threw 5 million choices in the mix and confused everyone. Those were the days!

When the kids came along, chicken nuggets and fish sticks were introduced to the family table, along with goldfish and other goodies. Chicken enchiladas, pot roast and spaghetti were some fan favorites. I would make homemade hot pockets, pb&j's for the freezer and always had a healthy supply of chips and salsa on hand for snacking. My boys weren't picky and pretty much ate whatever we had, although Collin did inherit my aversion to meat on the bone. Glad I could pass that on 😅

Holiday dinners were always full of good food and lots of talking, no matter which side of the family we were with. Those will always be special memories, especially since several of our key members are no longer with us. 

I am looking forward to our first family dinner here at the apartment. I know it will be crowded and chaotic, but those are memories in the making too and I'm here for all of it. 

Maybe I'll create another book of "Apartment Meals" 😅 I mean, why not? Life is full of adventures and experiences and fitting 13 people in this apartment will certainly create some memorable moments. I can't wait!

Until Next Time...

Blessings!