Wednesday
Apr212010
Peas on the Floor
April 21, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Sue 
Unless you have a picnic in the park, small children and green peas equal peas on the floor. No doubt about it! And, on a hard wood floor they roll and scatter everywhere. The peas, that is.
A recent article in The Tennessean captured my attention. In bold, inch tall print the headlines of the Life and Food section read "Families bond over Sunday supper."
Families bond over Sunday supper. So simple, but oh so true.
As a child, my family would go to my grandparent's house nearly every Sunday after church and eat dinner. The menu almost always included fried chicken and homemade noodles. And of course, my grandmother killed and dressed the chicken as well as rolled the dough for the noodles.
After dinner, my grandfather and I would go into the "front room" and sing and play piano together. An old hymnal guided us in our Sunday afternoon sing alongs; grandpa often times would sing in German.
My mother had three other siblings and I don't remember why their families didn't join in these meals, but I'll never forget the wonderful memories made as a result of this long standing childhood family tradition.
Since moving to Nashville we have begun "Thursday night dinner" with our son and his family. The day of the week is not important to us, but the family bonding time is.
Initially, the three grandchildren would have trouble waiting to eat with the adults. Electronic games or toys seemed to be more attractive than family time at the table. We quickly established a rule of no games at the table.
We've noticed how in just a few short months the grandchildren (remember, they are ages 5 1/2, 3, and 16 months) are sitting more quietly at the table and joining in the conversation. They are learning to pass the food around the table and to help carry the dishes into the kitchen following the meal. After we eat and clear the table we play games together as a family in the bonus room.
I love it when the two little guys run through the front door each Thursday night, give me a great big hug and say "What's for dessert Granny Sue?" And I simply smile the next morning when I sweep up the peas that have fallen on the floor. The fun family time together is far more important than worrying about "peas on the floor."
Reader Comments (14)
You're lucky to be living so close to your kids and grandkids..to have the cherished time together..when and where these memories are made. Love the dreamy image...reminding me of childhood picnicking days.
Enjoy every minute!!!!
Oh, I can't wait to have peas on the floor, Sue. What a wonderful tradition you are building with your grandchildren and wonderful memories being made in the process.
my sentiments exactly. sweep up the peas with a smile.
Love the photo! And the story...I am not at the grandchildren stage yet, but looking forward to the kinds of times you describe. After I left home for many years I still went back to my parents for Sunday dinner...I think the times that bring families the closest are the times spent doing the simple things, dinners, peas, washing up.
Seven very lucky people to be able to enjoy this precious experience, I think. I'm happy to know there are still families doing this.....
I love the dreamy quality of the accompanying image, Sue.
So wonderful to have your family with you every week, you are very lucky. Love your picture
You describe very warmly the things most of us would value highly as a family, together with a beautiful photo. That was really nice to read!!
I am reading this while back in Atlanta with my kids and grandson, Sue, and love how appropriate this is for me right now. Nicholas is almost 10, my only grandchild, and is spoiled rotten around me. The thing is, he behaves and has learned to grow with and around me in a way that makes us like two peas in a pod (speaking of peas)! We LOVE our times together...and that's what I hear you saying about your weekly gatherings. This is what the world needs...family time across generations! You are so lucky and so are they.
hi sue, you know we never had 'together family meals' when we were growing up, i have always remembered that. parents too busy, running in opposite directions. mum would prepare us plates of 'bird feed' she called it, we were difficult eaters my sister and i.
i now love group meals, friends around a big dinner table, with lots of wine and yummy food :)
Sue ... stopping by to give you a special thank you for the beauty . humor and meaning this post brings to me. This is part of life that will always be a sweet memory fir them
for..:))
Must be nice to be around family again! You are building family ties and memories.
A handful peas on the floor is nothing compared with family traditions.
Since this is Vision and Verbs – while I was reading your post I had a vision of Norman Rockwell there painting you and your grandchildren. Family meals – that must have been nice. My father had no family in France since he was an expat Armenian and I have no family here on my side since I am an expat French (Armenian.) My mother was an only child, so no cousins. Family meals have not been large. Your family meals sound nice.