"Most Favorite Cake Ever" & "Family Tradition" by Jen
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 5:00AM And Jen:
I wasn’t sure which foods were the favorites of my Grandma and aunt, so decided to take a different twist on this challenge, and do layouts about a couple food-related memories...
I knew my birthday this year would be different than most. Katherine’s health was declining, and we were riding a roller coaster of emotions, not sure when her final days would be. She insisted on having a small celebration for my birthday, so that’s what we did. Large groups of people agitated her, since she wasn’t able to clearly communicate and understand everything going around her. So I headed to her house first and she & Nancy gave me this cake. {Side note: I have called my aunt “Auntie Bugs” since I was a little girl: she was babysitting me, and I was crying. In an effort to distract me, she shrieked about a bug in the room … and I started laughing. She turned the moment around, like she always could, and would make me laugh until I could hardly breathe. Ever since, she’s been Auntie Bugs!}
This was what she wanted to give me – a cake with bugs on it. :) We ate a slice of cake, and then my plan was to go to my dad & stepmom’s house. I encouraged Kath to stay at home, not wanting to upset her – but she wouldn’t have it. We headed over to the house, ate dinner and cake (again!) and tried to make the most of the obvious pain and sadness we all felt.
Katherine passed away 7 days later. I’m honored that she wanted to spend her final moments with me. This cake is representative of a birthday I will never forget – my last with my sweet Auntie Bugs.
;)
Journaling: This was a birthday I will never forget. For the first time days, Kath was able to leave the house. We went to Dad & Peg’s for a tiny celebration. She wanted to get me a cake with bugs – and that’s what I head! She endured pain to join the party – I felt the love. Having her was my greatest gift.
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Growing up, my Mom’s family always gathered together on Christmas Eve. We would eat a large meal (complete with roast, several sides – the whole works). The rule was that we couldn’t open presents until the dishes were done … which meant the grandchildren would rush through the meal, and even DO the dishes in an effort to get to the presents! Year after year, we’d hover around our parents, waiting for them to finish, so that we could get to opening. Several years ago, Grandma decided to start a new tradition. We didn’t need the big, hearty meal and obviously the grandkids were looking for a quick dinner! She made her split pea soup, and served it with small sides: sliced apples, cheese, bread and summer sausage. My Grandma kept plenty of lists, and even kept track of how much we served (and ate) year after year. I included copies of these lists (as well as copy of the recipe, in my Mom’s handwriting) on this layout, since seeing these brings back so many memories.
;)
Journaling: Several years ago, Grandma started making her soup on Christmas Eve. We never needed an entire, huge meal … and all the grandkids were too excited to eat (since presents were after.) Split pea soup became our tradition. Grandma kept notes of just how much we needed, year after year, so we always had just enough. Grandma’s Split Pea Soup – a favorite family tradition.
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Remember, due to the holidays and such, both this challenge and the previous one (with the beautiful holiday inspired prize by PixiePetals) are due on Saturday, November 28 (by midnight). Post your take on the challenges online and link us up in the comments of the appropriate challenge post. (So, for this challenge, be sure to comment under the original challenge post for your chance to win a copy of my book, okay?)
Reader Comments (6)
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Scrapbooking is one of the few things I would like to do. But the problem is the time you need to spend on making it. I know time management is essential. So I guess I have to take time in doing so. I like the way you have made your journals. Full of memories. I will take not of these and hopefully can start my own scrapbook.
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