Thanksgiving Dinner 2023: A Memorable Gathering

First of all, I miss my mom so much I cry silently. I wish I had my family back, dinner at grandma’s with myself being the cook as always, kids surrounding the table, grandma complaining about the news, watching her eat pie. 

If I could only have all of my children together again.  I wished Andrew a Happy Thanksgiving and he didn’t respond, and only wish Chris heard my cries from wherever he is at in the Marines.  Despite this, I’m so proud of both and have LONG forgiven anything that happened to cause a rift.

They have a great family here, unlike their disgusting Flavell family and that horrid step-mother they had.  I am thankful for my bunch of CACA (Chris, Andrew, Caitlyn, Ava LOL).  I have been watching so many of our funny and hilarious video’s over the past couple weeks. If only they could just see how cool the Mellen family is.  Stage acting, technology geeks, craft nerds, and everything in between.

So anyway, let’s step into the heartwarming world of the Mellen family as we gather around the beautifully adorned table for their annual Thanksgiving feast. In this unforgettable occasion, Caitlyn and Ava, the step-nieces of Jana and Mark Mellen, and granddaughters of Eldona and Mike Mellen, come together with their father Jason Mellen to celebrate a day filled with joy, gratitude, and beautiful traditions.

As the Florida humid breeze disgustingly aggravates the gathering storm of dull colored leaves outside, the Mellen household radiates an unmistakable Florida warmth and anticipation. Each member of this close-knit family contributes to the funny ambiance, building a day that promises delightful memories and lifelong bonds.

Central to this unforgettable celebration is the irresistible spread of Thanksgiving delicacies. The rich aroma of golden-roasted turkey, succulent homemade gravy by me (a little thin), cascading thinly over velvety mashed potatoes made by Mark, and hearty stuffing and cranberries made by Eldona fills the air, awakening the senses and beckoning us to hurry up and eat.

Beyond the quintessential dishes, the Mellen family’s Thanksgiving feast boasts a plethora of tantalizing features, incorporating recipes by Jen for the turkey and green bean casserole (all homemade). I can’t forget Mark’s buttery yellow mashed potatoes, warm sweet potatoes with pineapple, and fluffy dinner rolls from Publix warmed to perfection, to complete this indulgent cornucopia of flavors.

And let us not forget the pièce de résistance – the dessert, which  was a well received homemade pumpkin pie. Due to cooking all day long, I did not eat dinner.  I sat there, watched happiness, funniness, listened to story telling and laughed while everyone ate.  I ate dinner by smell all day long!

At the heart of this captivating narrative lies the deeply-rooted traditions of sharing stories and laughter by the pun kings, Jason and Mike, as well as everyone on their phones sharing videos of cats, dogs, my kids, favorite videos, they embark on a treasure trove of the funniest memories you’ll ever have.

The night reaches its peak when the youngest members of the family, Caitlyn and Ava, they could only hold their peace so long, lol.  Jana had to step-in and say something about their back and forth bickering at the dinner table!

Evenings and holidays like this unites us all and sets the stage for an unforgettable feast, where food is not only nourishment for the body but also sustenance for the soul.

Beyond the mouthwatering cuisine and cherished traditions lies the true essence of this special gathering – their is a profound silent but visible love and togetherness shared among the Mellen family members. From heartfelt conversations to playful banter and joyful laughter, every moment is a testament to a long-lasting family.

As Eldona and Mike Mellen, whom are good grandparents, bask in the joyful tales and infectious laughter of Caitlyn and Ava, they treat them as their own.  Jana and Mark Mellen, beaming with haste, grovel and happiness in the presence of both their immediate and extended family, grateful for an extended family.

I would welcome with open arms the heartwarming world of the Mellen family for my sons, where this years Thanksgiving was full of love, gratitude, and humerus and treasured moments. This cherished occasion not only fills the bellies with an abundance of delectable delights but also warms the soul with the everlasting bonds of family.