Tuesday, September 20, 2011

"Belong" - R.E.M.

So it all started in 2009.

Our  . . . .

Family Anniversary [Day].

You can read what I am referring to, in more detail, [here] .

I absolutely love this day.

I get to spend most of the day cooking, planning games & decorating.

It's kind of like our own Thanksgiving Day for our little family.

It's my chance to cook for my family [we are talking a lot of food - each person's favorite meal - so it's a pretty jacked up menu].

And I must say it was utter perfection.

But NOT because of the herb crusted beef.  Or the roasted fingerling potatoes with tomatoes, garlic & Parmesan.  Or the rich, buttery gravy.  Or the capellini spaghetti with fresh basil & stewed tomatoes.  Or the bacon, Gorgonzola spinach salad.  Or the triple chocolate brownies.  Not even because of the games we played until we were crying in laughter.  Or the comment the Pita made that made me cry in happiness.

It was because we got to share our gratitude.  Together.  Around our "way too big for just the three of us" table.  Saying what we've been grateful for this year.  I am thankful my Peanut is so freaking hilarious, thoughtful & tender.  I am thankful my Pita is so amazingly supportive of all I do, my goals, my dreams.

I know I sat there eating with a big smile on my face . . . . the whole time.

It's been of year of growing, trials, struggles & learning experiences.  As it will be every year, I'm sure.  But it's been pretty freaking great.  I wouldn't change a thing.  Because I'd never want to be any where else but here

Right.  Freaking.  Here.

Imperfections and all.  Surrounded by "heaven".  My heaven. 
Inside my walls of my home.

Life. is. good.

So. So. Good.

30 comments:

Evolving Through Running said...

This made me smile. That's one pretty amazing family you've put together at Casa de Emz. I love non-holiday holidays. We've got a couple that we do every year, and they're more anticipated, and usually more memorable, than the 'real' holidays.

Since I know you love the quotes - this one seemed spot-on ... "People call these things imperfections, but they're not. Ah, that's the good stuff"

TRI714 said...

WOW !! you guy's have a great thing going. Keep it up.
FYI- I'm now starving over the bacon,gorganzola,spinach salad. top 3 dishes to eat.

Michelle said...

Love this day for you guys! As a teacher, mother and friend....I wish more people took the time to be grateful for the things in life that TRULY matter. Hugs to you and your (little) GIANT family!

Michelle said...

Love it Emz...that's all...just love it!

Aimee said...

What an awesome, wonderful day for you and your family!! I love, love, love it!

ShutUpandRun said...

Amazing tradition and even more amazing how grateful you are for every minute. Love it.

bobbi said...

You have the coolest family traditions! Love this :)

Char said...

:)

You have a beautiful family tradition there.

Caroline said...

this made me smile also...and miss my family. you, my Arizona friend, are lucky your family is not in another country.

Michael said...

I love this idea! And love the gift...how awesome is that?? You have such a wonderful family!

Danielle C. said...

What an amazing and special tradition, I love it!

Just reading your post made me smile. :) Thank you!

ltlindian said...

What an awesome thing to do each year! Happy day for you all. Makes me want to start our own family day. :)

MCM Mama said...

I.Love.This!

Unknown said...

Just looked over at your followers and saw you had "666" ---- freaky!

jymmebe said...

:) Glad you had a great family day!

xoxo

XLMIC said...

Super sweetness! Happy Family Anniversary to your awesome family :)

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Happy Family Anniversary Day

Matty O said...

you did NOT Have to write all that food stuff in there... seriously? Alright, where can I go get thanksgiving dinner items at 9am in the morning? Hungry now... thanks to YOU.

Hope you had fun :)

Heather-O said...

Now I know where we are going for Thanksgiving....run EMZ's house!

Love the family anniversary day! Great idea!

Karine said...

Thanksgiving Dinner at Emz's house....the best. You need reservations way in advance!!! We were lucky enough to get reservations last year. Next opening not until 2015, I hear....

TriMOEngr said...

Happy Family Anniversary! Such a sweet and special child you have to come up with such a fabulous idea and what a great mom for taking the time to do this. A small tear in my eye to see the love oozing from this post.

Runners Fuel said...

Sounds like a great time!!

Jason said...

awesome as always.

Your posts always make me reflect on my family and life and trigger happy thoughts as well about why I am so grateful for everything.

Rachelle Wardle said...

Just love this!! You are great and your family is just perfect.

What a fun tradition!!

Sarah said...

I looooooooove this! LOVE! Best idea ever. :-D

Amy said...

I have so many good memories of date nights- me, my mom and dad. This post brought back some good thoughts of happy times!

misszippy said...

That is so very cool. Love when people can see all they have around them and appreciate it. We all need to take a page from your playbook!

DRog said...

"a lot of food and everyones favorite meal"

a tradition starting with some really solid principles

:)

Lil O'Handley said...

Hi! I just randomly stumbled across your blog...Wanted to tell you how inspirational you are, and I am a complete stranger. I love your priorities, how simply you are kept happy, etc. This post was a PERFECT example. Don't know you, but you enriched my life! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

ihaverun said...

LOVE this! Life IS good. And there is nothing better than family. Although good friend come in a close second =)