On Her Way, with My Thanks

Gommie is on her way back to Texas this morning.  It has been quite a two weeks, from her arrival just days after I got out of the hospital, through Easter and then spring break, and a lot of good and bad days in between.

Almost five years ago, when Gommie and Pop had stayed with us for several weeks after my initial back injury, I wrote a thank-you post about the gift they'd given me.  In subsequent thank yous--for their help in April/May 2011 for my second back injury, in August/September 2012 for Mama's surgery and infection--I've referenced that post.

And I'll point to it again because it's true.

But I'll rephrase it.

Being a mom is tough.  Watching your kids hurt is hard.  Being helpless is so difficult.  And my mom willingly waded into all of that when she came up here to help us post-surgery.  I'm spoiled by her constant love and support because I never doubted she would come and help; but it has become clearer to me how many people don't have loved ones who will drop everything to help them.  And I know how lucky I am.  I felt that luck every time she packed a lunch, washed dishes, loaded the dishwasher, did laundry, took out the garbage, entertained the kids, tried to cheer me up or distract me, made a few meals, even fed the cats.  She did everything and more that she could do so that Mama could go back to work and not have to do everything on her own, as she had been doing before Gommie arrived.   And she did it all in a house that is more cluttered, smaller, and differently-organized that her own, with two grandkids underfoot who wanted her love and attention.  And not even a room to call her own, sleeping on a bottom bunk with Sis on the floor next to her, all of us sharing a bathroom upstairs.

And with that all, she watched me grimace in discomfort, heard me make difficult phone calls about clots and insurance and prescriptions, knew that I was tired, in pain, totally grossed out and upset about my incision, and sometimes just grumpy because major emergency surgery sucks.  Even last night, just hours before she was leaving, she woke up and saw our light on at 3 am and worried (I was wide awake and very uncomfortable, not pain, just awake and unsettled, and having a major emotional panic.  It happens.  I'm much better this morning.)    She had her own discomfort, too, sometimes, in her knees and back.  We laughed as we shuffled along together.  'Cos what else are you going to do?

But with all that going on, we still had lots of fun.  There was Scrabble and Sushi Go and Camp games, doodling on tiles and shells, making bubble gum from a kit with Bud, playing American Girl doll salon with Sis, early morning cuddles, late night reading, trying Just Dance moves to "YMCA,"  Mario Kart hilarity, watching Battle of Five Armies, watching Neil Degrasse Tyson's "Cosmos," scrambled egg breakfasts, watching "Switched at Birth" and "Little House on the Prairie" with Sis, watching Grey Gardens, "Mr. Selfridge" and "Wolf Hall" and "Miss Fisher's Mysteries" with me, going to the rope obstacle course, going to the coastal bird refuge, going to the natural science museum, dyeing Easter eggs and celebrating Easter, building fairy houses, eating hibachi and then frozen yogurt, eating at the fish restaurant.  And lots more that I'm forgetting this morning, I'm sure.

So, we send you home to Texas with our love and gratitude for these last two weeks and for being you, Gommie, my mom, who gave me yet another gift, or lesson, in generosity, determination, dedication.  In love and motherhood.

Thanks, Mom.  I love you.

Thanks, Gommie and Pop

It's always hard to say goodbye, especially after a 2-week visit evolves into almost 6 and our lives merge together more like daily life than the hyper-spastic-ness of vacation.  Certainly, it was a normal month and a half, with numerous hospital visits and medical crises, but Gommie and Pop made it as normal and as easy as possible for both the kids and us--untold numbers of rides, meals, dishes, loads of laundry, errands, and the like.  Plus as much fun as they could squeeze in.  I know the kids are going to miss them; Mama and I are going to miss them, too.  It's been a great visit.  I don't even know how to thank you, again, Mom and Dad (at least not better than this).  Except to say this:  if Mama and I get to be grandparents some day, I hope we can be like you.  And when Sis or Bud need us--and when you do, too--we'll be there like you have been for us.  We love you!

The First Thanksgivings

A special dish of origami stars filled with happy thoughts

Today, I'm starting to give thanks to so many who have helped and supported us these last few weeks (real cards eventually!):

• to Miss JL, for cookies
• to Miss KK for chocolate chip bread
• to Miss KJ, for lemon bars and cookies and a ride to PT
• to Miss JD, for banana bread
• to Miss SA, for beautiful flowers
• to Miss BB, for the lovely handmade otter bracelet for good luck
• to Mama Teacher, for blueberry snack cakes, a lovely dish of happy-thought stars, and a compassionate ear
• to Mommy Goose for prayers and emails and distracting stories
• to Miss MQ, for beautiful flowers and stuffed-animal cat (and thanks for not sending a bunny without a penguin!!!)
• to Miss AS, for prayers and constant offerings of help
• to Rev. M, for hospital visit and checking in
• to Lambeth, for his international calls that bring such delight
• to both of my therapists, of mind and body, who keep me in good shape
• to Mama's office for the beautiful flowers and 20 bags of groceries!
• to everyone who has emailed, called, prayed, and sent cards, too numerous to list

More thanks to family coming soon . . . 

Blue and silver beads reminiscent of the sea with an otter charm (just like Hermione, the otter is my patronus!)

A Huge Thank You

A big grateful thank you to Miss R who babysat the kiddos during a holiday playdate that lasted three hours (about an hour longer than expected, because we got stuck in traffic).  My two and her three (well, probably not the baby) played outside, played inside, ate dinner, and watched holiday specials.  The kids said it was the Best.  Playdate.  Ever.

A big thanks also to Mrs. S who met them after school and drove them to the playdate and who stood by in case we might need more help.

Thank you both for making today possible!  

Thanks, Mrs. S!

SUPER

GIGANTIC

HUMONGOUS

ENORMOUS

THANK YOU to Mrs. S for on the spur of the moment driving me to pick up the kids at school when Bud didn't feel well enough to ride the bus home.  Your kindness, generosity, and help were very appreciated!!!!  

 

(He feels better now.)

For All the Teachers: Thank You

This is for Sis and Bud's teachers and all the teachers we know (especially the one who didn't get a single thank-you note or appreciation gift this year).

WHOSE CHILD IS THIS?

Author Unknown

"Whose child is this?" I asked one day

Seeing a little one out at play

"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile

"Mine to keep a little while

To bathe his hands and comb his hair

To tell him what he is to wear

To prepare him that he may always be good

And each day do the things he should"

"Whose child is this?" I asked again

As the door opened and someone came in

"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile

"Mine, to keep just for a little while

To teach him how to be gentle and kind

To train and direct his dear little mind

To help him live by every rule

And get the best he can from school"

"Whose child is this?" I ask once more

Just as the little one entered the door

"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled

And each took the hand of the little child

"Ours to love and train together

Ours this blessed task forever."

-=-=-=-=-=-

Unity

By Cleo V. Swarat

I dreamed I stood in a studio

And watched two sculptors there,

The clay they used was a young child’s mind

And they fashioned it with care.

One was a teacher:

the tools she used were books and music and art;

One was a parent

With a guiding hand and gentle loving heart.

And when at last their work was done,

They were proud of what they had wrought.

For the things they had worked into the child

Could never be sold or bought!

And each agreed she would have failed

if she had worked alone.

For behind the parent stood the school,

and behind the teacher stood the home!

-=-=-=-=-=-

A Loving Teacher

by Pat McClain

Things our grown-up mind defies

Appear as giants in children's eyes.

A gentle touch upon her head

A simple word when kindly said.

Complete attention when she calls.

Her knowing you have given all.

Correcting in a loving way.

Instilling trust in what you say.

Making her believe unique

The tiny flaw upon her cheek.

Admiring old and faded dresses.

Reminding her we all make messes.

Words of comfort you've softly spoken

A promise you've made she knows won't be broken.

Your knowing her doll that was lost today

Is just as important as bills you can't pay.

Helping make her plans and schemes

Giving her hope and building her dreams.

All of this and so much more

Is in her mind forever stored.

They who touch her life awhile

Can either make or break that child.

Education is important, true,

But so much more, her faith in you.

You've weathered through the storm and strife;

You helped to build a small girl's life.

You're truly one to be admired.

For you gave more than was required.

-=-=-=-=-

Tribute To A Teacher

by Myrna Beth Lambert

We held their hands the first day of school.

Our hearts were filled with pride.

There was an aura of fear and apprehension

As we stood close to their side.

We deposited our children at your door,

Our most precious and prized possessions.

We trusted that you would give them more

Then Reading and Writing lessons.

Our unspoken words were, give them self worth.

They are little children, respect their rights.

Teach them with love and remember compassion.

Use a firm hand to break up their fights.

As the years went by, you did us proud

With your guiding hand and understanding smile.

You gave much more then we expected.

That was your way, your undeniable style.

What higher tribute can we pay a teacher?

To what greater heights can he ascend?

Than to have his students praise his work,

And to say "He is my friend."

-=-=-=-=-=-

You Are My Special Teacher

Author unknown

You are my special teacher

I just want you to know

I always had fun in your class

How the time has flown!

Thank you for helping me

To learn all that I know

I will always remember you

Even when I'm grown!

I'll miss you being my teacher

I know the reason why

I am feeling very sad

Because it's time to say goodbye

-=-=-=-=-=-

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

by Mary Rita Schilke Korzan

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you displayed my first report, and I wanted to do another.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you fed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you gave me a sticker, and I knew that things were special things.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you put your arm around me, and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt--but that it’s all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you smiled, and it made me want to look that pretty too.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, you cared, and I wanted to be everything I could be.

When you thought I wasn’t looking--I looked...and wanted to say thanks for all those things you did when you thought I wasn’t looking.

-=-=-=-=-=

Where do all the teachers go?

by Peter Dixon

Where do all the teachers go

When its four o’clock?

Do they live in houses

And do they wash their socks?

Do they wear pajamas?

And do they watch TV?

And do they pick their noses

The same as you and me?

Do they live with other people

Have they mums and dads?

And were they ever children

And were they ever bad?

Did they ever, never spell right

Did they ever make mistakes?

Were they punished in the corner

If they pinched the chocolate flakes?

Did they ever lose their hymn books

Did they ever leave their greens?

Did they ever scribble on the desktop

Did they wear old dirty jeans?

I’ll follow one back home today

I’ll find out what they do

Then I’ll put it in a poem

That they can read to you.

One Big Thank You, Vol 2

Great thanks to . . . .

• to three teachers at school, Mrs P, Miss C, and Miss L, for the luscious box of chocolate-covered strawberries;
• to Miss J, for the long visit and the shortbread;
• to Mama Teacher, for more visits and for organizing the meals;
• to Mrs. S/Mrs. Cadbury/Mrs. Director, for Starbucks and the visit;
• to Miss G, for out-of-the-blue stocking our freezer with easy-to-make veggie meals;
• to Miss S, for the yummy lasagna;
• to Miss J, for the delicious minestrone soup and banana bread;
• to Miss R, for the great broccoli quiche and apple crumb cake;
• to Miss C, for organizing even more meals;
• to Miss D,for the tasty pasta, salad, bread, and cookies;
• to Miss L, for the great vegetable pot pie;
• to Mommy Goose and Miss L, for the visit and my own party;
• to Miss M, for the long visit, the magazines, and the tasty rhubarb sauce;
• to Miss H and Mr. P, for the lentil soup, bread, pear and walnut salad, and brownies;
• to Miss J and Mr. M, for the yummy veggie chili and homemade bread;
• to Miss S for the books and visit;
• to Miss B, for the visits and coffee.

Let us give thanks...

For generous friends...with hearts as big as hubbards
and smiles as bright as their blossoms;

For feisty friends as tart as apples;

For continuous friends, who, like scallions and cucumbers, keep reminding us we had them;

For crotchety friends, as sour as rhubarb and as indestructible;

For handsome friends, who are as gorgeous as eggplants and as elegant as a row of corn -- and the others -- as plain as potatoes, and so good for you.

For funny friends, who are as silly as brussels sprouts and as amusing as Jerusalem artichokes, and serious friends as complex as cauliflowers and as intricate as onions;

For friends as unpretentious as cabbages, as subtle as summer squash, as persistent as parsley, as delightful as dill, as endless as zucchini, and who -- like parsnips -- can be counted on to see you through the long winter;

For old friends, nodding like sunflowers in the evening-time, and young friends coming on as fast as radishes;

For loving friends, who wind around as like tendrils, and hold us despite our blights, wilts, and witherings;

And finally, for those friends now gone, like gardens past, that have been harvested - but who fed us in their times that we might have life thereafter;

For all these we give thanks.

Amen.

--Max Coots

One Big Thank You, Vol. 1

Instead of several separate posts, I want to write one big thank-you post (or a few big ones).

On Gifts For Grace

by Bernadette Mayer

I saw a great teapot I wanted to get you

this stupendous 100% cotton royal blue and black checked shirt,

There was a red and black striped one too

Then I saw these boots at a place called Chuckles

They laced up to about two inches above your ankles

All leather and in red, black or purple

It was hard to have no money today

I won't even speak about the possible flowers and kinds of lingerie

All linen and silk with not-yet-perfumed laces

Brilliant enough for any of the Graces

Full of luxury, grace notes, prosperousness and charm

But I can only praise you with this poem—

Its being is the same as the meaning of your name

• to Gommie, for everything, and I don't just mean those three weeks;
• to Mrs. S (aka Mrs. Cadbury), for watching the kids during that first doctor's appointment and for all your offers of assistance;
• to Mama Teacher, for organizing meals, bringing a delicious meal, and your many visits;
• to Miss K, for the surprise visit and meal--loved the ravioli and the strawberry pie;
• to Miss J, for taking over Daisy Scouts under less than ideal circumstances and for the pasta and brownies;
• to Mommy Goose, for the meal (yummy mac and cheese and cake!), the fun visit, and running that errand for me;
• to Miss L, for the yummy pasta e fagioli and ice cream bars, plus the offer to visit;
• to Miss D, for the veggie lasagna and brownies

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Thank You: The Last Supper

While I am not done with the thank-you posts (mainly waiting on recipes), tonight was our last meal from a friend, fittingly prepared by Mama Teacher, who organized the whole thing. She came over for a playdate, bringing her delicious winter vegetable soup as well as waffle makings for the kids. And she was game to try a new quick bread recipe with me to go with the soup.

After chatting for a bit, we got to work. Or, she did. We assembled the Quick Whole Wheat and Molasses Bread from Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything, though under duress I switched baking powder for soda (no worries, really, it came out well enough when I doubled the powder). It smelled great while we reheated her delicious soup and she got to work on waffles.

And then we chowed down. The kids inhaled the waffles, with each of them putting chocolate chips in each square. Bud then lathered his with strawberries and syrup. Mama Teacher and I started with hearty soup (realizing pureeing half of it would be an interesting idea for thickening it) and bread, which was good with butter. Then we had dessert waffles, just like the kids, except with whipped cream too.

Did I mention the bacon? The kids ate an entire package of bacon, though Mama Hungry arrived home in time to help polish it off. And soup and waffles too.

All in all, it was a delightful way to finish off our run of free meals and to celebrate my continuing recovery with a friend.

Thank you, Mama Teacher.

And we'll get your waffle iron back to you soon!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Quick Whole Wheat and Molasses Bread

Makes: 1 loaf

Time: About 1 1/4 hours, largely unattended

A super all-purpose bread that’s heartier and more flavorful than most, and relatively light for a 100 percent whole grain bread. It also makes excellent sandwiches, especially when toasted.

Oil or butter for the pan

1 2/3 cups buttermilk or yogurt or 1 1/2 cups milk and 2 tablespoons white vinegar (see Step 2) [I had buttermilk powder and water, which seemed to work just fine]

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup molasses

1. Heat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 8- × 4-inch or 9- × 5-inch loaf pan.

2. If you’re using buttermilk or yogurt, ignore this step. Otherwise, make soured milk: Warm the milk gently to take the chill off—1 minute in the microwave is sufficient—and add the vinegar. Let it rest while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. Mix together the dry ingredients. Stir the molasses into the buttermilk. Stir the liquid into the dry ingredients (just enough to combine), then pour into the loaf pan. Bake until firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

Mark Bittman, How to Cook Everything

Thank You: For Today

A huge thank you to Ar-Ma, who took care of Sis and Bud while we went into town to the doctor's appointment today. She braved city traffic to be here in Connecticut before the kids left for school and was then here to meet them afterwards. She repaired Shirt's new holes, made lunch, and played for hours until we made it back from the city through lots of traffic. And then she drove home through that traffic herself for two hours. Thank you, Ma.

Thank You: Going, Going, Almost Gone

Well, Mommy Goose, the food you brought didn't last very long. We all loved it. The kids had two helpings each--the first bona fide casserole Sis has ever eaten! That is a minor miracle. And I loved all the crunchy, cheesy topping that went so well with broccoli (and a faux chicken patty). But the cake, oh, that vanilla cake. Well, suffice it to say, we skipped the salad for tonight! (Though, we're going to need it, too, after tonight!) It was all delicious and much appreciated, as was your too-short (though always enjoyable) visit. Tell Goose that next time y'all can come for longer and we'll go outside.

Thank You: Closer to Fine

I went to the doctor, I went to the mountains
I looked to the children, I drank from the fountain
There's more than one answer to these questions
pointing me in crooked line
The less I seek my source for some definitive
The closer I am to fine.

Indigo Girls, "Closer to Fine"

Mama has played that song for me for more than 16 years, and I think I only now really get it. Maybe it's because I am turning 40. Maybe it's having children. Maybe it's having a spiritual practice. Maybe it's just that I'm not a lyrics person. But last night, watching an Indigo Girls' concert on DVD (on our new, gigantic 32" tv--our 15 year old 15" with picture tube tv just couldn't keep up with technology anymore!) and hearing that song, and really listening to it, I got it. I don't know what I used to think it meant, though it was always one of my favorites. But now I know.

It's questions without answers, different paths on the same journey, a desire to seek and search and know. Except I now believe you can't know. And by not seeking, not believing I can know, I am enjoying the journey more.

At least, that's what it means to me now. Who knows what I will think 16 years from now.

Thanks, Mama, for sharing the music of the Indigo Girls (and the journey) with me all these years: "I took us for better and I took us for worse/And don't you ever forget it."

Thank You: They Liked It!

My kids inhaled last night's dinner, a chicken and broccoli pasta. Not just liked, as they have the others, but gorged themselves on something like 2 lbs of pasta! And they looked for the broccoli . . . to eat it!

And so of course I wrote the friend who brought it, desperately needing to add this one to my repertoire. Because it made us all happy.

She obliged, and so I quote:

I am so glad to hear that the you like the dinner, especially the kids. It is actually a very easy dinner. The chicken was the Perdue short cuts and the broccoli was frozen....now the meal does not sound very glamorous. The sauce is just a quick Alfredo sauce I make. I do not have an exact recipe for it. I just melt butter (approx 1/2 stick) then add about 2 heaping tablespoons of flour. It is just a simple rue...then I pour in milk (try to keep low calorie). This is where I just eye how much I want and how thick it gets. Once it gets to the consistency I like to add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste. I really just go on how it tastes to see how much seasoning to add.

I know that is not very exact, but just play with it and you can figure it out.

Miss K

Thank you, Miss K!

Thank You: Touched Beyond Words

This morning I have had quite a surprise and am touched beyond words.

But, as a blogger, that doesn't mean I won't try!

Check this out at Sew And Sow Life.

The internet, and social networking particularly, receive a lot of criticism in the press and I have done my fair share of laughing at some iterations of virtual life on the net. But sometimes it is all very real. I know the creative creator behind Sew and Sow Life only through her blog which I found through a mutual friend. I have been inspired by her posts and her pictures, her choice way with few words compared with my, let's call it this morning, voluptuousness. We've exchanged a few emails but never met in person, though I feel an affinity with her through the ether.

And now this. She posted some fabric. I thought it would make a great apron. And now it is. And she's sending it to me! I'm so surprised and amazed and impressed (with the sewing skill) and touched and humbled. And because it's an apron, I'm excited. I have been out of the kitchen for seven weeks tomorrow and am yearning, aching to get back to it.

And now, when I do, I'll have something pretty to wear. It will be a reminder always of the kindness of strangers, so to speak, even though I think of her more as a friend.

Thank you, Karen.

Thank You: Charmed

As in, three's a charm:

• Thank you, Miss S, for the delicious white bean lasagna but especially for the sugar cookies which delighted all the neighbor kids who came to play.
• Thank you, Miss K, for the meal you brought, even though you kept apologizing. The quiche was tasty!
• Thank you, Miss B, even though we haven't even eaten your meal yet--but I love how you used TJ's eggplant rounds to make a pasta dish. And those palmiers look great!

The blessings and treats continue, for which we are very grateful.

Thank You: IOU

Mama turned to me last night as we were discussing our plans for today, "You know, I did all that stuff when you were hurt. Got your meds, got your food, got you dressed. And I didn't mind. But now, you're making me take the kids to church for the Sunday-school kick-off with community-building activities and get-to-know-you games. For three hours. Now you owe me."

And it's true, I do. And, as she said, probably the most for this last one. Because if there is anything our poor shy and introverted (she's all the way "I" on Myers-Briggs) Mama really doesn't like is forced or contrived sociability.

Thank you, Mama. For all of it.

And I promise, Mama, I walked and meditated while you were gone so I can get back in the pew as soon as possible, which is where I'll be glad to be.

Because I'm an "E."

Thank You: Stop!

Mama Teacher is tired of my saying thank you all the time. "Stoooop," she declares, as I thank her for:

• organizing meals from our playgroup
• visiting several times when I was stuck in bed
• bringing muffins and cookies and lunch for the family
• checking in via calls and emails
• and, just last night, coming for a playdate, entertaining the kiddos, fetching pizza dinner, and then cleaning the kitchen and straightening the house
• plus, she still says she's going to cook us a dinner

Okay, I'll stop saying thank you.

I'll just start buying presents! ,)

But seriously: thank you, Mama Teacher.

Thank You: Hey, Now, You're A Rock Star!

One of the biggest superstars in my kids' lives came to our house today. No, no, not the Imagination Movers or Chewbacca or Gommie.

Their preschool director.

For two years when they were in preschool, the kids raved about her everyday. Sis was so proud and pleased that they both shared a love of chocolate. Bud loved to tell her stories. And so when they found out that she was coming to help with drop off and lunch, they were beside themselves: they stayed up until almost 9 p.m. talking about what they would do, what they would show her, even trying to guess what she'd be wearing! And Sis, 2 hours passed bedtime, begged to be able to eat chocolate with her.

And so, there she was when the kids got off the bus today. And they could barely talk as they basked in her glory. But that didn't last long as show and tell and "let's play" kicked in. Mrs. Director even got them to talk about their day, details I hadn't heard, about table toys like blocks and Legos which they play with after announcements and then activity centers like the art table that they go to after that. Then they wanted to play school. As if, having just retired, she would want to be teacher. But they think that's the best game in the world--and they've been playing it--even playing you, Mrs. Director--for the last two years! And I know that is in large part thanks to her. I credit her and her school with encouraging their love of learning and inquiry. And for making so much of the academic work fun. That, and--alert, parental vanity--I think they are pretty well-versed in letters and sounds and numbers and counting etc etc etc. And I believe much of that has to do with her.

Mrs. Director also brought goodies--delicious oatmeal apple cookies which we have already polished off completely during snack time!!!! (yep, I'll be emailing her for that recipe tonight!)--and a yummy looking pasta primavera for dinner. And helped with lunch, which they wolfed down in order to have a chocolate bar with her.

That's okay because a visit from your favorite teacher at your house doesn't happen everyday.

Thank you, Mrs. Director.

(Because even though you're retired, that's how we'll think of you first!)

Thank You: Southern Charm from a Yankee Girl

Who could say no to slow cooker macaroni and cheese from Paula Deen? Not me!

So Monday's dinner was a delight--creamy, gooey, cheesy goodness. Perfect because I've been craving those kinds of foods--chocolate mousse, rice pudding, mashed potatoes, anything mushy.

We also had a productive playdate. Because, see, this particular friend and I are hoping to organize a Girl Scout troop--Daisies, that is--for our kindergarteners. Lots of forms and handouts and things to plan, like crafts and field trips. Right down my alley.

And I'm really looking forward to the year.

Almost as much as that mac and cheese!

-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (an 8-ounce box isn't quite 2 cups)

4 tablespoons (1/2 stuck) butter, cut into pieces

2 1/2 cups (about 10 ounces) grated sharp Cheddar cheese

3 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup sour cream

1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Boil the macaroni in a 2 quart saucepan in plenty of water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. In a slow cooker, combine cheese/butter mixture and add the eggs, sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper and stir well. Then add drained macaroni and stir again. Set the slow cooker on low setting and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Paula Deen, Food Network

Thank You: Your Turn is Next!

Vegan black bean soup. Banana bread with no nuts. A crusty baguette. Dinner has arrived! And it smells so good that the kiddos took banana bread with them to kung fu class.

All from a woman, who in just a few short weeks, will be on our list to receive meals--she's having a baby! I'll be cooking by then, for her, for sure.

Thanks, Miss J!