Test bird brings reflection

The deep fried bird has become a tradition at our home over the past few years. I first heard about their yummyness from a lady at work several years ago. We bought a fryer and tested our skills. I can say that there were some early birds that died in vain. Perhaps their only claim to fame was the education of two turkey fryers. Cam and I have become the head bird fryers since those early times. Part of our tradition involves a ceremonial 1st practice run bird a few days before its "the big day". Saturday night was just that.

Each year that practice bird does more than knock the dust off of our cooking skills. It brings a time of reflection. Reflecting on the past year, and of years past. Saturday as cameron and i stood around the roaring burner i couldn't help but go back in my mind to 1 year ago when we lost our Papa. This tuesday will mark the 1 year mark. I can say that i think of him often. Things he taught us, ways he impacted our lives. He shared several deep fryer moments with us, i cherish those moments we sat around that very burner talking about what ever came up. Those "burner" moments are special, they some how allow you to look down on your life from a point of view that is almost looking in from the outside. Saturday as Cam and i discussed the cosmos i couldn't help but notice allie running around the yard playing with tara. Noticing how she took the time to bury the cat in a pile of leaves. I hope she has fond memories one day of playing around the burner while dad and uncle cameron fry the thanksgiving bird. I can remember things that took place when i was little. Although they were seemingly uneventful at the time they impact you in a way that changes you forever. I often try to look through allie's eyes and try to figure out what moments she will remember. Try to figure out what moments will mean the most to her.

Today cam, tara, samantha and I delivered baskets of food to those more needy. I can't help but feel blessed with all God has allowed us. I some times surprise myself at how much i can find to complain about, until you look at things not under a microscope, but in the big picture of things. When we take the time to lift our eyes from our situations and look around, we realize that things aren't always as bad as we lead ourself to believe.

This years thanksgiving week will be similar to the past 29 i would imagine. Lots of food, and several locations. Spending time with lots of family. My goal, as i hope yours is, to take things slow and enjoy those "burner" moments while they happen. And to enjoy the remembrance of those moments past. All the while giving thanks for how truly blessed we are.

Below is a video i will share with you. It won't mean much to most, but to those who knew papa it will. I have no idea what he and I are even talking about, but it's good to hear his voice. It's odd how you almost forget. This is probably one of the only videos i have of him talking. It was when allie was a baby at our old house. Enjoy