Perfektly Mary

Every family has traditions. Growing up, ours was for me to get a bloody nose from my sister. This is what you would call an “accidental” family tradition. I can’t exactly pin point why it happened. It just did. I think it probably had something to do with everyone trying to get out the door on time, without busting Dad’s cherry and pecan pies, while Mom makes sure we have everything we need for our three (thanks to divorced/ re-married enlarged families) Thanksgiving dinners.

Where am I in the scenario? Usually moping around in the typical 90’s grunge teenage angst, pushing my sister’s buttons and refusing to do any work. Hence, the traditional bloody nose.

Holidays got pretty crazy back home in Kissimmee. I miss it. I love how our family went non-stop all day. We’d eat our way from house to house, visting neighbors, family x bajillion and friends. We’d all take our positions in the Thanksgiving Day gender division: women in the kitchen and men on the couch watching football. I loved defying the party lines and sitting on my dad’s lap with the guys, as I overheard the women-folk relaying the status of the oven’s contents. The day ended with mom and dad snuggled together on the couch creating a Youtube worthy symphony of snoring and Ashley and I asking if we can finally go out with our friends.

This year we had Thanksgiving “Boston style” in Page with Dustin’s family. Although I didn’t get the annual bloody nose, I did manage to get myself into a nice argument with the hubbie on the way up. (Some things never change)

Despite the rough start, the rest of the weekend was great. We (along with D’s sister) stayed with Dustin’s parents. Dustin’s mom is the most nurturing woman you’ll ever meet. Her home is the epitome of comfort and warmth. (Warmth like, gushy-good-feeling-heart warmth…her house itself is actually always FREEZING. They like to snuggle ) I drank in the opportunities to sit in front of their massive t.v. and watch decorating shows while the kids were taken care of by someone other than myself. I missed my dads cherry pie but fell in love with Dustin’s grandma’s red wine rice. MMMM!

I managed to keep my personal tradition of staying way the heck out of the kitchen. Women with “special” recipes, wine and hot objects look to me like a “no fly” zone!This year I did try something new though. I kept my camera out and attempted to venture into candid photography. Hmmmm. Maybe not so successful. (The family prayer picture). I was inspired by GFF’s pictures right before we left for Page. She has this amazing ability to capture the emotions of the every day moments perfectly. Unfortunately, since I don’t own a Nikon D3 my pictures turn out remarkably less than stunning. We’re probably going to need a new camera soon though. Ours is draining batteries like Lindsey Lohan drains liquor.

What are you guys using? Any suggestions?