I'm Thankful for my Grandmothers kitchen

Generations of family and friends have gathered in my Grandmothers kitchen for many reasons - holidays, birthdays, homecomings, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, tea time, births and deaths. I am thankful to have this little corner of the world where I know that I can go to get back to the heart of who I am. I am thankful for ALL the memories I have of that little house up on the hill. Another Holiday season begins and I find myself filled with memories of holidays passed. Those memories always bring me back to my Grandmothers kitchen in Maine.

As I think of the holiday next week I find myself nostalgic for the feeling of Gram's kitchen preparing for a feast! Grams Apple pie bubbling in the oven...Dad carving the turkey...Aunt Jackie's yeast rolls baking...my Mom running around making sure that everything is just right...the sound of family arriving with stories to tell, shaking off the cold of another crisp November in Maine. The house is filled with smiles at the thought of gathering for another special occasion at Gram's house.

Over the past several years I have been back to Maine for fewer and fewer holidays. My home has been in many different places as my family has grown to include my wonderful husband and three beautiful children-Shay, Abbie and Sam. We have enjoyed our holidays in many different kitchens over the past few years. There have been some holidays when we haven't even been together. PJ's work takes him away for holidays sometimes. I have those memories from my childhood that inspire me to create our own holiday traditions. I would love for my kids to enjoy my Grandmothers kitchen for all the holidays but I am thankful that they get to visit her kitchen at other times of the year. Family traditions grow and change through the years and now it's up to us create them for our little ones, no matter where our kitchen may be. This year it's in Florida but who knows where it will be next year. That's the adventure that we're on and I'm thankful for that too.

I'm thankful for my Grandmothers kitchen in that little house, up on the hill in Maine. There I have learned the value of a loving family and I can take that with me wherever we travel. That kitchen has given my daughter wonderful memories of her Maine family and I know that as Sammy grows he too will know the joy of that kitchen and the love of family.

Happy Thanksgiving to our family and friends all over the world. Wherever you are I pray that you are happy, healthy and safe and that you have your own holiday memories to keep you warm.