Family functions and a functioning family.

Last Saturday night, those of us, who are a part of our family, and were in the area, gathered at my mom's house..... across the way..... to share a meal, play some cards, laugh a lot, and enjoy some time together.  Amber and Dustin were there.  Eric and Candice were there.  Bruce and I and Mom were there.  We had an awesome time!    I cannot remember the last time that I laughed that much!  Well, mainly we girls did the laughing and the loudness as we were playing cards.  They guys attempted to watch football in the living room, over our rowdiness, and Bruce even ventured back across the way now and then, to get some peace, I'm sure!

I love my family.  Whether it's a gathering like the one we had on Saturday night, an event like a wedding when the out of town family joins us, or just living across the way from my mom, our family Rocks!!!!!  You hear horror stories of families fighting amongst each other at holidays or family functions, of disputes and tantrums ruining good times.  Heck, lets face it, I lived that part of family life "up north", and I am more than thankful that I am not a part of that ridiculousness any longer!  (I love my family!)

We have fun and enjoy spending time together.  We go on trips together, eat together, pray together, party together...... we are connected to each other in good ways.  We help each other and share with each other.  We ain't perfect!  I'm probably the least perfect of us all, but, for some reason, they let me stay in the family anyway!  : )  Thank heavens for that one! 

I'm also very, very proud of my family.  My children are all wonderful, caring, giving people.  They reflect the best side of our family.  My mom is what I would hope to be and never will become.  We all learn from her and her generosity, friendliness, and loving-ness.  My brother and his familiy are all awesome people. My aunts and uncles and cousins.... the ones that I am in regular contact with.... are by far the best relatives that one could ask for!  It is like a rowdy, happy, lively family reunion each and every time we all get together.  We never fail to have a good time together.  I love family gatherings!!!!!

My family that I don't have regular contact with, well, whether it's my fault, your fault, or just the way it is, we are all missing out by not having that contact.  Let me tell you.... you are missing out on some awesome memories by not being an active part of our family.  You all have an open invitation to join us at any time! 

So, last Saturday, at our gathering at my mom's, there was talk of Christmas.  I absolutely love decorating for Christmas.  I love church and the music during the Christmas season.  I do not like the stress of Christmas.  I detest the stress.  I don't handle stress all that well, and no matter what, I always end up stressed at Christmas time.  Not a good way to "enjoy" the holidays.    But, as we all pretty much know, I'm not an organized person, so Christmas "sneaks" up on me every year and I'm never, ever ready.  At least not without some major stress for me!

Therefore, it was music to my ears when the conversation turned to Christmas and the gift giving that goes along with that and we decided on a non-traditional celebration this year.  Well, at least non-traditional for us.  We have decided that instead of going out and spending ooodles of dollars on gifts for each other, we have some ground rules.  #1..... You have to buy gifts locally, preferably locally made goods.    #2....... You can give someone the gift of service.  Even if you hire someone else to do the service.  IE:  house cleaning, oil changes, snow removal, etc.   #3....... no stress allowed!   Ahhhhhhhhh...... music to my ears!

And..... after that conversation, I love my family and am thankful for them even more.   No whining about not getting expensive gifts.  No complaining that someone might not get what they want.  Just laughter and agreement and happiness and back to playing cards we went.  Planning more get togethers and having fun.

Thanksgiving is at my house this year.  The big table will be extended out as far as it will go.   Music will be playing.  There will be laughter and joy and companionship........  and room for many more.  So, if you are family who doesn't join us regularly, we would love to have you join us then.  Or whenever you are able.   We would love to see you soon.   : )