I finished my sewing project that has been begging to be done. There are many more in line, but I am just glad to have this one accomplished. AND, I did it all by myself. I made Micah an outfit from the same pattern this fall with LOTS of help from Mom2 (Jonathan’s mom). This time I was determined to do all by myself and I did it! Now, there are lots of chores that have been neglected during this pursuit and I better get to them.

Every family should have traditions. They make the mundane feel meaningful. They help you cherish others and the time you spend with them. They help build memories. They give a family something kindred and special to treasure as the years fly by.

Jonathan’s family has a tradition that is too much fun for the tummy! They make fruitcake (not what you are thinking of at this very moment that could survive almost any torture put on it) together. This recipe is a no-bake roll of graham crackers, melted marshmallows and butter, cherries, dates, and pecans. We would always grind the graham crackers in the old meat grinder. Each person had a package to grind before the fruitcake could be made. Funny enough, Jonathan liked this tradition even though he never ate the fruitcake. Now the grinding is beginning to fall to the younger generation.

This weekend, we planned a second annual cookie/candy baking shindig. The girls started it last year as a way to spend time together and share goodies. We used every pot and pan in the house to make fudge, cookies, gingerbread houses, and other sweet treats to divide up and take home. This year, Noah and Saylor (my nephew and niece) ground up the graham crackers. Noah was very proud of his work. Lori (my sister-in-law) and I had to make a run for extra ingredients. When we returned, he told us all about his grinding. I smiled inside as I remembered the first time I was invited to grind my first package of crackers.

Traditions are something I seem to have an unexplained attraction to. I guess I like predictable and routine. I am not fond of missing out on a tradition. I even like starting new traditions. I am looking forward to the traditions that will be formed in our little family as Micah grows older and possibly other siblings come to join him. They are treasures in my heart.

Next post, I will share more on traditions old and new…..