July is one of my favorite months of the year! I love to celebrate the 4th of July holiday for many reasons. It’s the day our great forefathers signed the Declaration of Independence and a wonderful reminder of why America is the best country in the world. I am thankful for all the brave men and women before me who died for my freedom and made this land what it is. July is also a time of year that our family comes together to celebrate. My aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins – all come together to cook, eat, fellowship and enjoy our time together.
This month my daughter got to spend some quality time with Grandma and Grandpa. She went RVing, swimming, fishing, played games, made crafts, and baked up some new recipes. When my mom text me a picture of her standing on a stool cooking in the kitchen, it made me tear up. This is how I was taught the love of baking – standing on a stool, right beside my mom, grandma and aunts cooking, baking and entertaining. What a gift that was.
For me, that’s what life is all about: family, food, and love. I am so happy my mother took the time to pass along the art of baking to me and now, years later, teaching my daughter. She’s wanted to learn how to make a fruit cake. Yes, fruit cake. Well, they made a teddy bear fruit cake that she called Fruity Bear.
“Mommy, today was amazing! I am learning how to bake like you and grandma!”
I’m grateful for the blessings of family and life. Happy July!
– Gigi
