When I think about how important family is to me, I always think of my grandfather (my Papaw). Growing up just a few houses away from him, I saw him and my Mamaw multiple times per week. That was just normal for us. The same can be said for my cousins that lived in town. Uniting family was, and still is, the most important thing in his life.
Papaw and me 1980. Papaw and Carleigh 2011.
Papaw, Mamaw and me at UT on graduation day May 2002
While not everyone of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in town this past weekend, all of his children were here, 5 out of the 8 of us grandchildren and all but 2 of his great-grandchildren were present.
It was wonderful to see everyone and great exposure for Carleigh to see family members she doesn't get to see often.
Papaw and his kids.
His children and their spouses.
Papaw and his grandchildren (Julie, Jennifer and Jeff not shown). So neat that Kim, Lindsay and me are all pregnant together!
Papaw and his great-grandchildren (John and James not shown).
The whole group!
As we grow our family, it brings to mind the same thoughts that my grandfather must have had about legacy and tradition. What is important to us to carry down into future generations and what lasting impact will our footprint on the planet leave with Carleigh and her sibling?
This wasn't Carleigh's day for photos, by the way, but a memory nonetheless.
What traditions have we and will we start with our family? The idea that the traditions we celebrate give a sense of belonging to a family brought me to make up a list of current traditions we hold and ones I want to start.
1. Holidays/Birthdays that we currently celebrate are not unique to our family. The way in which we celebrate them, is though. Our children are the center of our universe and making them feel ultra special and loved is something we've tried to institute.
2. See extendended family at least once per week - this is a tradition I have taken from my parents (and one that was so important to my grandparents). Dustin and I don't go a week without making sure Carleigh's Gigi and Bubba and Mimi and Papaw spend time with her. For us, we are fortunate to live in the same city as them, and it would be a disservice to keep Carleigh from them. The bond of family is only strengthened by this tradition.
3. Saturday morning muffins - this is a time for Carleigh to help me cook and make a mess with abandon. She also has learned about delayed gratification (those 20 minutes seem like agony). The best part? All that fun with the muffin mix and she dislikes muffins. It doesn't stop her from helping every time, though!
4. A photo a day - this is my tradition that I hope will pass onto my children. Whether it be with our good camera, or a cell phone camera, I take at least one (when is it really only one?) photograph per day of her to document what she looks like and so time doesn't escape us without preserving the memories.
5. Family swim (game) night - this is something Dustin and I talked about that we began last summer, but will really take effect this summer. Each Friday or Saturday night we plan to go to the neighborhood or gym pool as a family and have a few hours of unconnected fun! In the cooler seasons, we will interchange this for game night.
6. Charitable giving during the holiday time - this is something we've discussed and decided is important to us to introduce our children to. We want to pass on the importance and reward of giving over receiving. It is a tradition that can humble a family.
These are just a few. I wanted to write them down so they don't go unnoticed to Carleigh and her sibling so perhaps they will continue the traditions they hold dear as they begin their families.
