Thank God for Family

I love to spend time with my family. Every year we have a family reunion in Oklahoma. Yes, Oklahoma. My parents are both native Oklahomans and I feel like one. I spent every summer there as I child. I have such fond memories visiting my extended family and celebrating our Choctaw Heritage. I haven't been to my second home since 2005. In 2006, our reunion was in California, also my second home (Go 49ers!!!!), and last year I was pregnant and in the "don't travel trimester". And this year, we just couldn't afford it. I miss my family and my reunion. I was really down this weekend and a little snappy at my husband (I'm sure he would dispute the "little"). It finally dawned on me that I was grouchy because I really wanted to be in OK with my family. So instead of continuing my grouchiness, and believe me I wanted to, I decided to remember all of the good times we've had. Here are some of my favorite OK memories.

• My brother throwing my grandmother's cat on the roof to see if he really would land on his feet. We never did find out, considering the cat never came down. Smart cat.
• My brother and I being the reigning spades tournament champs. Yeah, I know I haven't been since 2005 to defend my title, but as far as I'm concerned, the other tournaments don't count since I wasn't there. :-)
• My grandmother's tire swing. Better than any modern day swing, hands down!
• Riding in the back of my grandfather's pick up truck with my other 10 cousins. I know, both illegal and dangerous, but nonetheless, one of my favorite memories.
• My grandmother's confused dog, who tried to mate with the cat (before the roof incident, come to think of it, maybe that's why the cat decided to stay on the roof. Smart cat.)
• Drinking peach pop. (Yes, pop. Where I'm from it's soda, but as soon as you cross into OK, it becomes pop.)
• The food, brisket, fresh caught fried fish, fried okra, greens, corn, and the deserts, peach cobbler, dirt cake -- complete with gummy worms...I'm getting hungry.
• Watching my uncle and cousin, REAL cowboys practice for the rodeo. They are the reason I love to watch the rodeo on TV. My husband makes fun of me, but he has recently started to watch it with me.
• And lastly, the unconditional love, and the genuine happiness I see on the faces of my family members when we "reunite".

There is nothing like family. I love mine dearly and I am so grateful to God for them. What about you reader? Share your favorite family memories. God Bless.