Blisstree » family gatherings

Summertime Brings Family Reunions

Mary Emma Allen — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:43:51 +0000

Our theme this week is Family Reunion Time. Traditionally these reunions have taken place in the summertime, when relatives gather for small and large gatherings. My husband’s family gets together the last Saturday of July and this year it was a grand time, as usual.

Begun 27 years ago, when Jim’s uncle started his family tree search and decided to gather the many branches, the reunions have continued annually, even though the originator is gone. Each year, we seem to have new family members discovering us and sharing information.

Family gatherings, whether they’re annual or more often, help us all realize we’re part of a heritage. We can discover ancestors and how they contributed to the family line. We also can build friendships with contemporaries and realize a common bond. Children can learn more about the family they belong to. They can meet new cousins and develop friendships that can last a lifetime.

What do you do in the way of family gatherings?

(Image: sxc.hu)

Post from: Blisstree

Summertime Brings Family Reunions

Memorial Day Celebration & Patriotic Crafts

Mary Emma Allen — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:00:08 +0000

Even though Memorial Day is celebrated today, instead of on the actual date of May 30, we’ll still see many parades, patriotic celebrations and family gatherings. Young and old will be watching if they’re not marching. Some towns hold other festivities and recognition of the men and women who have fought to keep our country free.

When I was a youngster, veterans’ service to our country was well recognized and not criticized as we appreciated being free. I lived during the years of World War II and knew about black-outs, bomb scares, rationing, scarcity of food, aluminum drives and everyone working together to support the military.

Image: sxc.hu

Then Memorial Day (often called Decoration Day, when we decorated the graves of the fallen military or those who had served and died later) was a time to recognize their sacrifices.

We hung the large flag from our front porch. I still have photos of our family standing in front of it with my uncle who has served in an even earlier war, World War I.

Crafters today often make items with patriotic colors and themes. My daughter has a number of these she places around the house. What do you make for patriotic celebrations and family gatherings?

Post from: Blisstree

Memorial Day Celebration & Patriotic Crafts

Thanksgiving Books, Activities & Recipes for Family Gatherings

Mary Emma Allen — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:48:09 +0000

Thanksgiving Ideas

As Thanksgiving approaches, your family is thinking of celebrations and special recipes. The children (and your Alzheimer’s patient) may be looking for books to enjoy. Check out my list of books with fun, facts, activities and recipes at One Book Two Book.