The Fireplace in Life

Within a reading done, "The Family Endures: A Look At Utah History," it describes early settlers in Utah and their living conditions. In one case an Italian immigrant built a home in Spring Glen, Utah, where "the main living quarters were on the second floor and cows were kept on the first floor" (Notarianni 4). Down on the first floor is where the family went to spend the day. That was their place of gather.
In my home, it is by the fireplace that people gather. I don't know what it is about that primitive warmth that keeps the stories coming and the smiles growing, but that fireplace knows the history of each of my family members, including parents, brothers, siblings-in-law, friends, and uncles. As I mentioned in my previous post about Thanksgiving, this is our gathering place (Giving). That dang fire just draws everyone to it even if you're sweaty from an outdoor run and heat is the last thing you want. That fire just invites you right in.
In my apartment in Utah, our kitchen and living room seems squished and cold so friends like to meet in my room! There will be someone sitting at the desk, one on the floor, and one sprawled across the bed. My room is by no means a spacious living room with leather couches, a massive television, or a coffee table. My room has what a college student should have: bed, desk, dresser, closet, and of course the nitty-gritties such as a laptop, books, lamps, and cute decorations strewn across the walls. But it is in this room that secrets are unleashed, confessions are made, decisions are made, comfort is given, tears are shed, and encouraging words are shared. It is within this room that is home: it is a place that no judgement is passed and the secret pact is unspoken for the spoken words to never cross that door. This room is the fireplace in apartment 3.
As stated in "Park Valley Community Clan," reading, "Home is not simply a structure built of brick and mortar; it is a place where a body can feel at one with its community, a place of shared experiences and distinctiveness" (Thornley 50). The fireplace is home for me, even if it's not actually a fireplace, even if it's a room in a college apartment. There are places in which people feel comfortable and that is home and home is where family is.
Family doesn't mean you were born to those parents and have those siblings born to them, too. Family is dynamic. I had a family during summer as I was away from home. I have a family in college. I have family in several friends. There's always different family members being added and taken away. Family is people that came into your life and changed it positively, and there is always room for more.

Norarianna, Philip. The Family Endures.
Thornley, Rosa. Park Valley Community Clan.
Romney, Carly. Giving Thanks for a Week.

Giving Thanks for a Week

Thanksgiving was this past week, and I must admit, it was one of the best! First off, PACE WAS HOME! That means my whole family was home! Pace never gets time off being a doctor in Pennsylvania so when he gets 5 consecutive days off, it's a big deal. I even took off school for the two days this week so I could spend as much time with my whole family.
Secondly, we got family pictures done and that's quite the feat for my family. Even when we were taking them this year, everyone was moaning and groaning. You'd think we were getting flu shots by how annoyed we all were. Our photographer was extremely friendly and patient. I don't think she knew that a bunch of adults would be so difficult. (Pictures coming soon!)
Thirdly, we didn't do anything extravagant. Weird that I like this. It was so nice to wake up early by choice and sit in the kitchen for hours just talking with my family. Sure, we saw a movie and went shopping, but I mostly enjoyed the moments at home.
So that sums up how my ten days at home were spent. It was extremely hard getting in my car to drive back for the last hurrah. However, while I was home my family all exchanged memories and carried on our traditions.
I like to think my family is quite a traditional family. We typically wait til after Thanksgiving to put up the Christmas trees, but since Pace will be gone for Christmas, we put them up a little early. I'm usually the Grinch at my house about putting up the tree after we appreciate the one month a year that people remember to be grateful. Another thing my family has done for years has been eating pie for breakfast. We all get too full at the dinner to eat any pie after so we decided to eat a slice for breakfast then snack around until the big feast. Our big feast is pretty normal: turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, corn, stuffing, vegetables, cranberry sauce, the usual. Only four people like the stuffing and three like the cranberry sauce, but it's only once a year so it makes those people happy. Also, every year that most people are home, we like to keep a fire going, and that is my favorite thing. I love how cozy it is and the warmth is provides. It also provides a gathering place to tell stories and remember moments.
This was a long post and I could probably write for a couple more hours. My family is the most important thing in my life, and when we all are home, I can't keep a small smile off my face. I used to hate being teased and picked on, but now I wish it'd happen more often because that means my family is around.