I’m still stuffed.
Two nights ago we drove over to my Mother-in-law’s house and ate like royalty. We had Homemade (of course) Chicken Alfredo, Texas Toast with Parmesan Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Mixed Green Salad with Homemade Dressing, Pecan Pie, and yes…Sweet Tea.
It was a party in my tummy.
My husband pretty much had to roll me out of the house. I ate soooo much. I couldn’t help myself. I knew that would happen. My Mom-in-law is the Queen of All Things Culinary. I have never had one of her meals that wasn’t mouth watering. I don’t know how she does it. It’s a gift.
As we sat at her table, I watched my husband and son eat like they haven’t had food in years. I kind of felt sorry for them. I cook. And I cook a lot – we don’t eat out too often. But even when I follow one of my Mother-in-law’s recipes – it just doesn’t come out the same. My husband tries to be all nice and say that he loves how I cook. But I saw the sheer joy he experienced while wolfing down his Mom’s food. In between bites, I leaned over and sarcastically whispered, “You had forgotten what it is like over here on the good side, didn’t you?” He just grinned. He knew I was right and he didn’t really want to slow down long enough to utter actual words anyway.
But I’m working on it. My pork chops still come out tough. My roast still comes out of the oven dry. My mashed potatoes still need a little zip. But I’m getting there.
It kinda reminds me of being a stay-at-home mom. I’m working on that, too. I’m growing and learning. I still lose one of my son’s socks just about every day. I still shrink my husbands work shirts. And I occasionally forget to feed the dog. But I’m getting there. And having fun in the process.
Now, if you’ll excuse me….I have some cookies to burn.
Lord, please help me to serve my family well. And help me to serve them with love. Make me better at what I do, God. And at the same time, please help me to keep all expectations of myself reasonable and godly. Please bring people into my life like my Mother-In-Law – who can teach me and mentor me in all things home and more importantly, all things YOU. In Jesus’ Sweet Name, Amen 🙂
Ok, had to laugh at the "party in my tummy" reference… I can tell you have one that watches Yo Gabba Gabba! And if you don't, well then that's just a scary coincidence! My daughter walks around singing that and has caused nameless others around our house to sing it without realizing it as well! Enjoyed visiting your blog today–
I had to laugh at the mental picture I got of your visit to your MIL's. It reminded me of an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" where the MIL intentionally sabotaged one of the recipes she gave the DIL so that her own version would always be better (not that I think your MIL has done that!).
Thanks for visiting RefreshMoments. I hope you'll come by again.
Kate,
You breath life when you write. Thank you for sharing your heart and for commenting on my last post. Coy and I will be home for Thanksgiving. Any chance you'll be anywhere near Logan? I would love to talk to you more about writing sometime–maybe over coffee somewhere?
Love from Florida!
Brooklyn
Hi Sweetie…
Just wanted to come over and thank you for your kind comments on my blog and for your faithful reading.
Let me know how those organizing tips work for ya!
Love,
Sandy
http://www.godspeakstoday.blogspot.com
I love your prayer at the end, Kate. You have such a tender and beautiful heart for the Lord and for your family!
My husband is gracious about my cooking, as well. 🙂 Anything I can cook decent I have most likely learned from his mom! She is an amazing cook. And what's crazy is that she is a vegetarian, but can cook meat like nobody's business! Oh, and my dog and your dog should talk…poor Maggie has missed a meal or two! 🙂
Thanks for blessing us all with your beautiful heart!