Let me begin this post by saying how excited I am to be part of this Thanksgiving blog hop which is being hosted by the owner and creator of the popular blog No Minimalist Here. Thank you so very much Sherry for including 21 Rosemary Lane in your amazing lineup of inspirational bloggers...it is truly an honor.
Almost every year since Mr. Rosemary Lane and myself got hitched we have spent Thanksgiving with his family. It was my mother-in-law's request that all her children and their families be in attendance for dinner this one day of the year. So we gather together, almost 50 of us in total, to celebrate this special day of giving thanks.
Thanksgiving at my in-laws has always been a fun packed day that typically goes like this...
The day starts mid-morning when the men folk, dressed in their sweatpants and sweatshirts, head outside to play a rousing game of touch football. In the kitchen the women talk and drink wine as we put the finishing touches on our collective Thanksgiving Feast. And the children, well they are scattered about like fallen leaves caught up in a sudden gust of autumn wind.
At about 2 in the afternoon the brood of what would appear to be absolutely famished children, get called to the table to eat first. They are then quickly followed by the equally hungry adults. After everyone enjoys their fill of the most fabulous bird with all the trimmings, the entire family gathers in one room to begin the Curran Thanksgiving tradition of giving thanks. Each person is allotted as much time as they need to express what he or she is thankful for that year. The giving of thanks speeches start with either the youngest child or oldest Aunt or Uncle, and then goes around the room in chronological order. This includes 9 sibling plus spouses and a total of 26 grandchildren, ranging from beautiful young adults all the way down to adorable "gotta eat 'em up" toddlers...everyone has their chance to speak.
Some of the speeches make us chuckle and laugh, while others may bring to our eyes a tear or two.
But we always realize how thankful we are for all that we have and the family around us, no matter what bumps in the road we encountered during the past year.
The speeches conclude with my in-laws saying what they are thankful for...and without fail it is always family for which they are most grateful.
This year however, will be a little bit different as the number of speeches given will be one less. Sadly my husband's father passed away last month.
I am sure our Thanksgiving Gathering will still be filled with the laughter and the good times we always have while we are together, only there won't be the presence of my father-in-law and his booming voice flowing through the room and rising above all others.
We are all grateful for the many Thanksgivings we were able to spend with my husband's father, and for the future Thanksgivings we have yet to enjoy as a family.
Two of the most important gifts of love God ever bestowed on us is that of family and dear friends. This year when Sherry asked if I'd like to join her vignette blog hop, I decided to create a Thanksgiving Table which would convey the profound love I feel in my heart for my family, and the great gratitude I have for those of which have become incredibly close friends in my life.
This Thanksgiving will be much different for our family as we will miss our beloved patriarch. But it will also serve a tremendous reminder of how intertwined our lives have become and how incredibly important we are to one another. The love we share is something we will undoubtedly always have, because we've been so very blessed with the most beautiful and precious
gift of family.
Wishing you all a very Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
XO
Be sure not to miss out on any of the gorgeous Holiday vignettes created by these fabulous bloggers.
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From My Front Porch to Yours
Sharing this post at link parties hosted by these wonderful blogs...
FRENCHCOUNTRYCOTTAGE
Cedar Hill Farmhouse
A Stroll Thru Life
Savvy Southern Style
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson
From My Front Porch to Yours
Gorgeous table! Great inspiration to me since I haven't planned yet on my table this year. I know! I just don't seem to be able to catch up. :) Enjoy your weekend! Maria
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table! What a great family tradition.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
I loved reading about the traditions you and your family share at Thanksgiving. So sorry to hear about your FIL's passing. My FIL passed away last month too! This will be our first Thanksgiving without him as well. It still seems a bit surreal that he's gone. Your table setting is charming on the porch. I love the plaid you used and the cute place card arrangements.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful and precious tribute to the love of your family. Your tablescape is stunning and I love that you set it on the porch, so perfect. The plaid and silver work so beautifully together. I love it all.
ReplyDeleteBarbara what a beautifully written post and tribute to your family!! Your tablescape and photos are stunning my friend!! I love the plaid throw you added over the tablecloth and the pinecones with the little notes are so cute!!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said Barb, you are one of the most creative and inspirational people I know. Many blessings to all of you this thanksgiving and beyond. Make sure you set a place for me at that wonderful table. It is stunning
ReplyDeleteI so loved reading this story about the Thanksgiving traditions of your family...our family too are usually of gang of 50 at Thanksgiving. All meeting at my sister's home of which my mom also resides there....I so love the beautiful table and so very sorry for the loss of your family's patriarch...It is very bittersweet at ourThanksgiving to see the empty place settings of the ones that we have lost, but are so grateful for the blessings of family.
ReplyDeleteSuch a luvly post. I am so sorry for your family's loss.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures...
This is just stunning! I love the place cards so much. I am very sorry for the loss of the head of your family. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss! Beautiful pictures! What restaurant have you had the best meal? Remember to add it to your Besty List! http://www.thebesty.com/21rosemarylane
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, Barbara, and while the pictures are beautiful the word pictures you painted here are even more beautiful. Those "first' Holidays are tough to get through. I am glad you are all such a loving, caring family. xo Diana
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! I have been following your blog for a while now but today I had to comment. We are in CT and our youngest son is a freshman at Univ. of So. Carolina and not coming home til Christmas Oldest son is married with a sweet little family also down south. So this year I have talked my husband into going out for Thanksgiving, just the 2 of us. I think it will be a nice change for just this year! Don't think I'd enjoy being with all his friends and cousins and not him - "just for this year"!! I'm sure a lot of moms would understand. Happy Thanksgiving! Cathy
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post, Barbara. So sorry to hear about your father-in-law's passing.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, Your Thanksgiving Traditions sound wonderful though I know your father-in- law will be missed! Your table is beautiful and what a fabulous view you have. I am so happy you joined the blog hop...thank you.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Sherry
Barbara, first I want to say how sorry I am for the loss of your FIL. This will be a little harder this year because of that loss, but it sounds like the strength of your family will carry on and become stronger. Your table is stunning, in a beautiful setting and with all the grateful blessings you will make it a Thanksgiving to remember. Congratulations on getting to add your vignette to a long line of talented of people and I think it looks wonderful..Happy Weekend..Judy
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your father in law. I know his presence will be missed. This is such a fun, exciting and very traditional day for your family. I know it's filled with memories in the making for all of you, especially those children!
ReplyDeleteI love your pics...very inspiring!
Jane xx
Sorry to hear of your loss. Lost my mom last Thanksgiving, so this one will be different for us as well.
ReplyDeleteYour table is gorgeous. I love the wonderful tartan throw over the blue toile, and your beautiful dishes. This table is one of my favorites. I've added pins to my Board: A Blue and White Autumn
Gorgeous, Barb!!! I love your colors and attention to detail. I featured your beautiful table on my blog today! xo
ReplyDeleteBeautifully Festive! What time do we eat? lol
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I love the colors and the plaid! So sorry to hear of your loss.
ReplyDeleteShelley
what beautiful and special memories you are creating with the large family gathering. I will get to be with both my sons this Thanksgiving and I am so so grateful. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteGirl I am such a sucker for plaid! Your photos are beautiful!!!!!!!! Like I could reach out and touch it, smell the flowers! Wow! Love the simple pine cone place holders and the mix of fabrics! So sorry for your loss, may his memory be cherished this season. You are a blessing my friend!
ReplyDeleteIt was touching to read about your traditions and tribute. Stunning photos too- that use of plaid is so eyecatching!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table for giving thanks. How fun to go to your in-laws with such a huge group, how fun...although you are all gonna miss your Fil, I'm sorry my friend. I love the tartan table topper and the blue and white. I'm so glad I see it, cause I'm using my blues for the first time for Tksgiving.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving, coming up.
FABBY
The table looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLove those gorgeous fall colors.
Thanks for sharing.
Hope to see you on my blog :)
Very pretty!
ReplyDeleteCondolences on the loss of your father in law. What wise and wonderful in laws you were blessed with. They truly knit ties that bind. A testament to what Thanksgiving can be. Thank you for your lovely and heartfelt witness. Christ's peace to your whole family this holiday season.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful table Barbara! Your father in law will certainly be missed, but I am sure the sweet memories of him will be mentioned in the thankfulness. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Thank you for this beautiful post, and linking to our Holiday Decorating Party. Sheila
ReplyDelete