It’s the time of year for family reunions. I’ve written before about getting together with my dad’s side of the family, but we celebrate with the relatives on my mom’s side, too. We met last weekend to have brunch and to catch up on each others’ busy lives.
Many of my cousins now have children of their own. And this year for the first time, one of my cousins has a grandchild. Heather’s daughter Laura had a baby (Alice) a month ago. The family tree has gained another branch.
We were lucky to have most of my daughters’ generation celebrating with us. With the exception of Laura and her brother Ben, all the children of my first cousins were there. They range in age from two to twenty, and although they don’t see each other often, they were enthusiastic in getting reacquainted.
We’ve been meeting at Christmas as a family for longer than I can remember. There are baby pictures of me taken under the Christmas tree at my Grandma and Grandpa Bustin’s house. One of the photos I posted last month was taken at my grandparents’ house at Christmas 1968. Now we meet at a restaurant that’s at a midpoint for most of us. Much has changed but the important things haven’t: family members getting together, breaking bread, and sharing stories.
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The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it has been since creation, and it will go on.
We chase chickens or dogs away from it. Babies teethe at the corners. They scrape their knees under it.
It is here that children are given instructions on what it means to be human. We make men at it, we make women….
At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow, We pray of suffering and remorse. We give thanks. Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.”
– from “Perhaps the World Ends Here”, by Joy Harjo
How wonderful to have the chance to catch-up with family. I adore the excerpt from "Perhaps the World Ends Here". The kitchen table is probably the most important place in a home. I have wonderful memories of time spent around my mother's kitchen table. Thank you for a lovely post! Hugs…
Dear Beth, That is so nice that your family makes it a point to get together and meet up to keep in touch. xo Catherine
How awesome you all got together. And the recipe looks yummy.
Family togetherness is so important and cousins are the best! Family around a dining table is so special. Love this recipe too! Thanks Beth 🙂
Looks like good times for the holidays! I've always wanted to try a frittata. Never had one Before.. No excuses now though.
I love this excerpt from "Perhaps the World Ends Here." beautiful and true.
wishing you and yours much joy throughout the holiday season! no doubt there will be plenty of delicious food.
i've made no fewer than 50 frittatas but pasta has never made an appearance! this is worth a try, for sure.
Hi Beth, so nice that your family gets together every year, what a nice tradition. Happy Holidays to you!
I love a frittata and don't make it nearly often enough. It's a great dish to share. And yay for family gatherings and cousins. I know that my son loves hanging out with his cousins. Being an only child, he loves being a part of the group and getting into trouble together! 😉 Happy Holidays!
When I see all the new babies, I feel old! 🙂 Those mothers were babies themselves just the other day. Amazing.
Love the idea of adding pasta to your frittata, Beth. Looks so good.
Your family bonds have created such wonderful memories! I'm heading to Denver to be with my 3 sisters, parents and aunt…it's a rare occasion for so many of us to be together. I treasure those times, too.
P.S. your frittata looks amazing!
What fun times and I can't wait to try that fritata!
Oh, I love that from "Perhaps the World Ends Here." It actually gave me chills reading it – so true! You are so lucky to have such a big family tree! And what a beautiful frittata that is – looks lovely!
I always remember with love our family gatherings. Unfortunately, nowadays we don't get to see each other at all. Such a pity! Your frittata looks just perfect!
I am hosting the big (extended) family Christmas party this year. That will mean 50-60 guests in just over a week. But totally worth the work! BTW, my current giveaway includes Canada–hooray (and the dressings–made in Canada–are delicious)
Spending time with family is so important! The frittata looks amazing!
I love that you all make such an effort to keep in touch and get together!! That's so important.
Fun post! And great recipe. Never met a fritatta I didn't like. Never had one with pasta, though — nifty idea, and one I'll try. And goat cheese and argula? Just a perfect flavor combo. Thanks.
It is nice to have all the kids together…family is so important!
The frigate sounds and looks delicious Beth…have a great week 🙂