Moving can be a challenge. Moving to another state is a big challenge. Moving across the world takes moving to a completely different level!
Wherever you move or however short or long the distance, there is one constant - comfort and routine.
For the woman of the family, moving is about making the others in her care more comfortable. (As well as herself) Settling into a routine makes it seem like home much more quickly. I know the old adage which states, "Where family is, home is." This is very true, but what makes a family?
For me (and us), I believe family is what makes us unique. What do we do together that causes us to grow closer to each other? What traditions do we cherish that help us bond and bring happiness into our lives? What are the things from all of our backgrounds that we bring together to form our unique family?
I was recently reminded of what makes us a family one night at dinner. It had finally become a little chilly outside and a pot of soup was in order. Tastes of home. Fall- warmth- hot soup. Time just to sit and relish our time together in the comfort of our home without the outside world.
So, we (Little man has become quite the defensive cart driver) went to the market in our building and grabbed a few items for a hearty soup. We also had a package of corn meal mix to make cornbread thanks to iHerb. When Gary came home from work, there was cornbread and a pot of lentil veggie soup waiting. We all served up a bowl and watched a Christmas movie together. It was during this moment that we felt like we were back in Georgia.
But, was it really this moment that reminded us of Georgia. In reality, no. It was a reminder of our togetherness as a family. That no matter where we are, we have certain things in our lives that bring us comfort and remind us of who we are together. This short time over dinner reminded us that we were together and that was what matters.
For added joy- here is the recipe I used for this hearty meal. This soup is definitely a favorite around here.
https://www.cookingclassy.com/italian-vegetable-lentil-soup/
Notes:
I couldn't find kale so the soup didn't have this ingredient
A favorite seasoning of mine is Herbs de Provence and this is what I used
You don't have to add the tomatoes if they bother you, this soup is delicious even without them
I also added one piece of Italian sausage to this soup for added flavor. Cut into fourths. (this is one of the brands we can find here in Hong Kong: https://www.alfrescoallnatural.com/products/dinner-fully-cooked-chicken-sausage?f=sweetitalianstyle)
What are some of your favorite traditions for your family? What are some of your favorite recipes that make family time even better?
