Tradition is a tricky thing. Its intentions of forever derive from an overwhelming feeling of fortunate if you ask me. The commitment to carry out the hopeful dream of annual is not as simple as one may think. The hosts as well as the guests possess some what of an unuttered responsibility to one another and to the goodness that comes from being together. On November 17, 2012 our family celebrated 10 years of tricky in mighty fine form.
When Kenny and I married, we wanted a tradition to reside, build and grow from our home. We looked at what mattered most to our hearts. From there, we brainstormed events that would help foster our heartstrings of family, togetherness and simplicity. We were certain we did not want this event to interfere with staple holidays ink-marked on the calendar. We both agreed that the season of Thanksgiving is the nucleus of family. It requires no gift giving other than your time and presence. It didn't take us long to confirm the Saturday before Thanksgiving as the tradition we hoped would grow from our home. Hence, our Cobble Gobble was born.
Ten years is a long time. And, our Gobble has remained traditional to its roots. Each year I put up our Thanksgiving tree. And, on the eve of the Cobble Gobble, you will find our gift to each guest packaged and tagged underneath.
These construction paper leaf name tags have not changed in 10 years. As each guest comes to our home, they simply unwrap their gift and place their name tag onto our Thanksgiving tree. Our family of 4 begins this simple tradition.
It brings me great joy to see these 2 additional leaves where once was just mine and Kenny's.
And, by the Gobble's end, you will find a house full of guests all adorning our annual tee shirt gift with bellies full and stories and sharing in full swing. The evening glow from our Thanksgiving tree reflects this goodness too.
Tom Turkey has been present for the past 7 years now. He is the official mascot of the day's festivities. Tom has successfully turned Kenny's opinion of yard art in a 180 degree direction.
So have these 2 you see below. They've changed all of us really. As a family collective, the Cobble Gobble has become a staple in Eli and Casey's existence. They know nothing other than the importance, priority and presence of family at their home the Saturday before every Thanksgiving.
And, this does something magnificent to a little one's heart. Continuity and collective nestle in only to take up a residency inside just who these two little men are. Pride swells and plans made for the ones you love is staple in their boyhood. This tradition means enough to them that they leaped at beginning the traditions for our first time family members present. Below is our family's newest leaf on the tree. Colton Scott made his first attendance to the Gobble this year. Casey made sure he had a leaf and was quick to place it right next to Colton's Daddy's Grand Gobbler picture.
This day has made its mark on each of us for 10 consecutive November Saturdays with every calendar turn. I have watched as family members have found new ways of connecting, and while at it, recollect on the ways of old in which their puzzle pieces seem to fit too.
The loitering of love runs amok all over our property line.
Smiles are frequent and laughter is loud. And, I think it's because we all have our home on this particular November Saturday. Pretension was never invited. The bags of life were all somehow checked at the door. People come to experience a memory and to be reminded of the simplicity of together.
Gifts like GINORMOUS bottles of wine are gladly accepted too.
There's something for all of us here each time we gather. Connections made that cannot be replaced with shiny silver or gold. It's called touch. Presence. A big sister feeding her new little brother for a family to see. The pride of "He's mine." was 10 feet tall in her heart.
And, that same pride was just that tall as I wrapped my arms around my grandfather who made the trip up to be a part and see our new home.
For goodness really is. Kenny has masterfully perfected the art of turkey frying. And, like vultures circling their prey, so are the attendees of the Gobble. Shreds upon shreds of ambrosia salted crispness is consumed by any and all takers.
Everyone brings a dish to contribute. In this buffet you will find favorites requested year in and year out. Mamaw Hook rolls, Nana's Cornflake bars, Kristi's mac-n-cheese, Melissa and Jonathan's honey baked ham.
And, this feasting will wear you slap out I tell you. Naps are taken unabashedly and in broad day light.
When turkey hits, there's nothing you can do, but sit back and enjoy the slumber.
Or, find random wigs to put on.
Yes, this happens.
Have I mentioned we laugh a lot at the Gobble?
Wig wearing is all fun and games until time for the annual Corn hole championship. Then seriousness sidles in for a backyard stay. Teams are drawn out of names placed in a wooden box made by Kenny's great grandfather, Papaw McGill, for his daughter, Ruby. Her name is written atop the box. This Ruby is the Mamaw Cobble treasured by so very many present on this day.
My time with Mamaw was short, but it was enough to know that she loved. She loved big and all the time. She was a vibrant soul and wherever the festivities were, she most definitely wanted to be. I know she's here every year in so many of the smiles and hugs shared on this day.
All you have to do is look around to find her.
Corn hole commences and victors are determined. Winners' names are inscribed on a plaque to designate their place in Gobble history. Sara, Roy's wife, has her name on this plaque not once but FOUR times. She runs shop and we all take notes each and every year. Not.even.kidding. She and Kenny battled to defeat the husband-wife duo of Delaware, Jason and Joanna.
Then Kenny takes center stage to announce the winner chosen by Kenny, myself and the previous year's champion.
Jonathan Holcomb was our winner this year. His presence in this family is so nice. He is obtusely prepared for any obstacle or task, kind and loving and consistently ready to be part of family.
Kenny and Papaw just happened to pull one over on me which was completely against the rule book, but I smiled, cried and co-accepted.
You know, I think legacy could quite possibly be a hidden secret to the success of family. In each of us there is a golden opportunity to live out and leave behind. What will it be? The choice is ours really. Legacy is the simple reminder of who you were, what mattered to you and most importantly, how you chose to love. Mistakes are inevitable, just be sure they don't become inheritable. Being the legacy little ones long to emulate brings forth a light that this world needs so much more of.
With that being said, there are so many faces who mean a great deal to this family. Their copyrighted insignia on the ones who gather here leaves shoes so big to fill. Their legacy is one of letting go and holding on. It's no-not-never giving up and doing the most to be just a bit better than they were from the day before. These faces have acted behind the scenes for so many of us over the years. From helping hands, to hey I'll be there, to just listening & loving. Simplicity that costs not a penny, but worth millions to the investment of family.
To say we are blessed would be an outright understatement. Kenny and I are beyond honored and humbled that our hearts' hope has turned into time together x 10.
First Annual Cobble Gobble 2003
Cobble Gobble 2004
Cobble Gobble 2005
Cobble Gobble 2006
Cobble Gobble 2007
Cobble Gobble 2008
Cobble Gobble 2009
Cobble Gobble 2010
Cobble Gobble 2011
TEN YEARS- Cobble Gobble 2012
Each year that passes leaves us lucky and reminded that love grows just where you plant it. And, on the same Saturday every November, you'll find this very love running amok all over our property line. Thank you, tradition.
.mac :)
1 comment:
What a great story and great tradition. Thanks for sharing!
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