We had a huge crowd at Mama’s house today for our annual Easter covered dish lunch and egg hunt. I think each year we have to add more table space for food, as well as guests. It’s so easy to forget how much family means to me, with all my busy-ness. But I love to sit around talking to Mama’s brothers and sisters and swapping stories about her! They have some real tales to tell.
Mama’s brother, Harvey, saying the blessing. I enjoyed hearing his tales of his and Mama’s competition with their gardening. He doesn’t believe in planting by the signs, but Mama sure does. Don’t know which one has the better garden, although Mama has really cut the size of her garden, and is a little slower getting around these days. But what can we expect of a soon-to-be 86 year old spring chicken.
We cooked coconut pies together on Friday. As she finished making the custard filling for her coconut cream pie, she said we should stir in the coconut. After she stirred a bit, she said, “That looks just right. It’s lumpy, just like me!” I told my Leslie about this and that I’m putting it in the cookbook. Leslie wondered how anyone making the recipe who didn’t know Mama would know how lumpy she is, so how lumpy should the pie mix be? Good question, but not my problem!
Mama’s sister, Ima and her husband, Bo. She is such a neat person, a real go getter.
Her sister, Irene, checking out the Thomas the Train book Lucas got in his stocking.
Her sister, Pearl, holding Lizzie, our newest addition. Lizzie’s grandmother was Pearl’s twin sister. I know Myrl would have been totally wrapped up in this little girl.
The food- Oh, my goodness, we’ve got some super cooks in the family. Brother Steve smoked pork to make barbecue, all the women made their special dressing, vegetables, fried chicken, sandwiches, salads, and desserts-cookies, cakes, trifle, pies, candy. There was enough left over for everyone to take a plate home, with leftovers for Mama to feed ‘the boys’ next week.
Everyone takes a seat and chows down. There’s no shortage of food at the Gentry family reunions.
And there’s always plenty of visiting and ‘catching up’ to be done.
The best part of the day-except the food, the family fellowship and did I mention the food?It’s the Easter Egg Hunt. We have two hiding fields-the front yard for the little ones and the orchard for the big kids. With over 400 eggs to find, there’s plenty of fun to go around.
I can’t imagine any family enjoying each other’s company any more than our family. While it’s sad to think of those who are not there to share the day with us, there are the new faces we see who just joined us-through birth, marriage, dating, or just as friends who come for the fun of the day. I love being part of such a wonderful group of people.