I grew up in the South.
Born in Alabama. Raised in Georgia. Graduated high school in Florida.
But there are some traditions that have followed me as I've moved through New England and the Midwest.
There is always buttermilk in the fridge. (Because we love cornbread and biscuits!)
My butter does not stay in the fridge. (Because, as previously mentioned, biscuits.)
And I took my maiden name as my middle. (And so did all three of my sisters - so it is fun to get carded together with the same middle name!) (And also, four sisters - four variations on biscuits!)
But some traditions did not make their way to my home in Iowa.
I don't watch college football on Saturdays.
*Gasp*
(And we all know this is why I am not the favorite, but that is another story.)
The reason is simple. I just didn't marry a sports guy.
But the rest of my family, is, well, dedicated. To the University of Alabama. Very dedicated. (My mom, dad, two sisters, and my brother all graduated from there, so they come by it honestly.)
So now I hope you can appreciate what my dad did last week. He hosted my family, and had the children watch not one, but TWO Bama games on the same day. (Oh the delight of recorded tv!) (Also, my toddler now says "Roll Tide!" all day long. Loudly.)
But you know what made me smile inside? Watching my dad teach Leighton how to throw a football. Leighton has always been kinetically gifted. (He learned to kneeboard at one take with his Uncle Philip!) And he has picked up every sport with astonishing ease, but football is serious business in the south.
So my dad just took some time. Not very much time, mind you. Within a few minutes I heard my dad gasp himself, and shake his hand a bit. Leighton had zinged that ball at him with surprising accuracy, and it turns out, speed. A perfect spiral is a beautiful thing.
My dad just beamed.
And I smiled.
Perhaps some traditions just skip a generation from time to time.
What about your family? Are there things your kids loved just like their grandparents? Or a grandkid you see yourself in these days? I would love to hear your stories! And perhaps make something special out of them, like I did for Matt's dad with his grandsons, below. I'm looking for a few families to create this type of work for this winter!
I would love to create with you, and celebrate your family, today.
Or share my biscuit recipe. If you need one ;-)
with love,
Kat