School's In and Everyone is Back!
Today was one of those days. Monday, which I love. Sunshine, which I love. Cold temperatures, which I love. Family Home Evening, which I love. Dinner....is OK. Actually I kind of love it too. It is really fun to make something that everyone loves. And I think we scored tonight on dinner.
SK sat patiently for two hours chopping tomatoes. We made about a gallon and a half of pico de gallo to top the macaroni and cheese. This combination is such a hit. I made three large 9 X 13 pans full of macaroni and cheese. This is not a cheap dinner. The macaroni itself is quite inexpensive, but the cheese alone cost around $10. But I think it is worth it. Homemade macaroni with toasted bread crumbs on top, baked to perfection, and then topped with any/all or a combination of: pico de gallo, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, sliced celery, green onions, crispy onions, shredded chicken thighs, bacon, pepperoni, crushed corn chips, chili sauce, tobasco sauce, BBQ sauce.
I had a dozen rolls, which I should have cut in half, jam and butter, and a bowl of apples and tangerines and plums. The rolls were gone in no time, the fruit disappeared also. The macaroni was gone except for two helpings, which SK and I will eat tomorrow for dinner.
We had 21 here. That is a crowd. Twelve in that room is a crowd. But they are all so happy to see each other after the lengthy holiday. They don't seem to mind sitting on the floor or crowding up on the couch. I love the sound of their laughter and visiting. And there is always someone who will come and visit with me for 3 to 30 minutes.
Just like when I was little, when I served on kitchen duty with my mother, there is something very special about chatting together as a meal is being prepared or cleaned up. I think that is when I have the opportunity to get to know these great young people best.
It took the better part of the day to shop, to prepare, to serve and to clean up, but it isn't difficult. It is a big part of our mission. I readily admit what good feelings happen over a meal....it seems almost magic somehow.
And just as they all came within a fifteen minute period, coming with laughter and cheer, they exited the same way. The little flat was filled with good sounds, and suddenly about 14 left, thanking us profusely for the meal as they bundled against the cold, and then out they went, leaving a much lower buzz of conversation.
There are eight left in there now. They are playing a game...I'm not sure what. But there are long periods of silence and a question here and there. Then laughter will erupt. SK is doing the dishes, and I sneaked away to write.
We'll be up and off again tomorrow....with three apartments to inspect.
In the meantime, I think I'll go get started on lemon bars to deliver to those cute missionaries in the morning.
SK sat patiently for two hours chopping tomatoes. We made about a gallon and a half of pico de gallo to top the macaroni and cheese. This combination is such a hit. I made three large 9 X 13 pans full of macaroni and cheese. This is not a cheap dinner. The macaroni itself is quite inexpensive, but the cheese alone cost around $10. But I think it is worth it. Homemade macaroni with toasted bread crumbs on top, baked to perfection, and then topped with any/all or a combination of: pico de gallo, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, sliced celery, green onions, crispy onions, shredded chicken thighs, bacon, pepperoni, crushed corn chips, chili sauce, tobasco sauce, BBQ sauce.
I had a dozen rolls, which I should have cut in half, jam and butter, and a bowl of apples and tangerines and plums. The rolls were gone in no time, the fruit disappeared also. The macaroni was gone except for two helpings, which SK and I will eat tomorrow for dinner.
We had 21 here. That is a crowd. Twelve in that room is a crowd. But they are all so happy to see each other after the lengthy holiday. They don't seem to mind sitting on the floor or crowding up on the couch. I love the sound of their laughter and visiting. And there is always someone who will come and visit with me for 3 to 30 minutes.
Just like when I was little, when I served on kitchen duty with my mother, there is something very special about chatting together as a meal is being prepared or cleaned up. I think that is when I have the opportunity to get to know these great young people best.
It took the better part of the day to shop, to prepare, to serve and to clean up, but it isn't difficult. It is a big part of our mission. I readily admit what good feelings happen over a meal....it seems almost magic somehow.
And just as they all came within a fifteen minute period, coming with laughter and cheer, they exited the same way. The little flat was filled with good sounds, and suddenly about 14 left, thanking us profusely for the meal as they bundled against the cold, and then out they went, leaving a much lower buzz of conversation.
There are eight left in there now. They are playing a game...I'm not sure what. But there are long periods of silence and a question here and there. Then laughter will erupt. SK is doing the dishes, and I sneaked away to write.
We'll be up and off again tomorrow....with three apartments to inspect.
In the meantime, I think I'll go get started on lemon bars to deliver to those cute missionaries in the morning.
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