Our Version of "American Gothic"

You have probably heard me say before that Gramp and I are the most obnoxious grandparents in the world! Why? Because we brag about "you kids" all the time. And maybe the rest of the world gets tired of hearing how beautiful, creative, intelligent, and precious our grandchildren are to us. Here's an example (and we didn't even need an audience): Grampie and I were sitting at the table at breakfast recently and all of a sudden Grampie started to chuckle and he said, "that baby is SO SWEET!" And I said, "aren't they ALL?" To which he replied, "no, just OURS!" We enjoyed laughing about that one for quite a few days. And we continue to enjoy thoughts of all of you. Well, in our defense, that's part of what grandparents are for: to love and appreciate the blessing of our grandchildren. And we DO!

Well, this picture of Timothy and Erika was rather spontaneous, but don't you love it? In retrospect, it is our family's version of American Gothic. That's why it's been enhanced to look like a piece of art instead of a digital photo. Our version isn't sober, older people standing with a pitchfork in hand. Instead, it is sweet, smiling kids stopping a minute for a snapshot -- interrupting the BLAST they were having at one of Uncle Jon's and Aunt Michele's "Pig Roasts".

Well, a Pig Roast is not just about roast pork -- it's about family and friends getting together for a huge pot luck picnic. It's about kids having quality time together and about adults chatting, laughing, and doing more bonding with each other and the next generations. It's about dogs barking in the kennel and hoping to be treated with a morsel of all that is smelling so good.

At the pig roast, the whole yard is set up with tables and if necessary they are sheltered with what seems like a 1/2 acre of tarps. A whole pig is in a cooker made from a 55 gallon drum fitted with propane burners.  Whole chickens sizzle in the fryer and mounds of fresh potatoes are cut up for french fries. Hot dogs and hamburgers are cooking on the conventional grills flanked with rolls and condiments. On the long buffet table are baked beans, potato salad, mac and cheese, trays of fresh vegetables and fruits, rolls, lemonade -- and so much more. The menu consists of whatever everyone decides to contribute.  

Children run and play, hop on and off the swing, and travel around the driveway on whatever riding toys are available. Older kids explore the back yard and wood lot, telling jokes and laughing about what "we used to" do and say. 

We are SO BLESSED with such a wonderful family. Thank  you, Lord!