3 posts tagged “tradition”
My mom turned 60 this week. Funny how 60 just doesn't sound as old as it used to sound to me. Grey hair doesn't seem so bad either. Good thing since I found my first one a couple of months ago. I kinda like it. Who knew I wouldn't mind getting older?
That isn't what I was here to blog about. I was actually going to post pictures of my mom's birthday party from yesterday. I started to do it earlier, then Hannah called and I got a little sidetracked. Although, I think the braindumping I did while I was on the phone with her did me good. I feel all ready to blog and take on the world.
So yeah, pictures. First we have the birthday girl opening her gift while my dad looks on....
My mom just bought a new(er) car to replace the one she totalled in a lovely accident with a state trooper (long story). She was upset that her new car didn't have a cassette player. We all pitched in a bought her an adapter so she can play her cassette tapes. She's silly.
This was just after she blew out her candles. Well, my adorable blonde nephew, Noah, blew several out from way up in his daddy's arms. Grammie blew out what was left....
This is Marlen's youngest, same kid that blew out the candles....
This is her youngest daughter...
Nicole's teenagers fighting it out. Kay definitely had the upper hand...
I made a lemon pound cake for my mom. Here I am getting ready to make Steve try some. It was surprisingly good....
Some pictures of the grandkids with my mom's (formerly my) beloved dog, Harrison...
This is Nicole's youngest, but the thing I love most about this picture is Kare Bear in the background about to lick her ice cream while trying to find a place to sit....
I think they could've fit a few more people in the chair, don't you?
My mom and her older brother...
Steve, just because I think he's cute...
Sophia, looking all serious...
Alex modeling some really big shoes while standing with me...
Ashley and my cousin's daughter...
It was a good time. Lots of food, grilled salmon, burgers, hot dogs, loads of doritos, broccoli salad, deviled eggs, ice cream (seriously, can you have a bad time if there is ice cream?). The real blessing is just being able to have big ol' family get togethers like this. After years of being apart from my sisters, I'm thankful to have times like this with them and their families.
Homemade Chili with all the fixin's (rice, fritos, cheese and sour cream) and fresh green beans sauteed in butter and garlic
I had never been one to watch the Oscars, as a child or in my early adulthood (although technically, isn't 31 still early adulthood?). It always preempted something else I would rather be watching. I watch it now. I'm not sure I look forward to it exactly. I'm watching with bated breath, hoping I win just as much as those who have been nominated.
Let me explain, a few years back, right before Steve and I were married, my brother in law started a new family tradition. One Sunday afternoon, while we were all over my in-law's house for our usual dinner, Gary handed out Oscar ballots. The deal was, we had to pick the winners. Overall winner picked what the loser made for dinner the next Sunday.
I lost the first year, luckily it was along with Gary. Steve's youngest brother, Rob, chose lasagna. I think, it could have been "Alice Springs" Chicken (a copycat recipe from Outback Steakhouse). Although, I think I had to make that when Steve and I lost to Rob at Trivial Pursuit DVD edition a couple of weeks before.
Either way, I lost. I don't like to lose. I've narrowly missed being the chef the last two years. This year, I want to win. I'm doing my research and crossing my fingers. Although, I don't like winning really either now that I think about it. I always feel bad for whoever loses. I think I'd rather just be somewhere in between, enjoying whatever meal that I didn't have to cook.
Ok, I'm off to put on my fanciest dress and throw some popcorn in the microwave. I bet one of the kids will even throw in an Oscar-worthy performance when I tell them it is time for bed.
