Happy Independence Day!
If your family is anything like mine - and I'm guessing that it is, food is the centerpiece of your celebration today. I was in the kitchen prepping for this evening's meal with my most helpful assistant - daughter of skinny friend. We washed strawberries, green beans, potatoes, and carrots. I put her to work on the green beans, snapping the ends off. We were side by side at the sink and she watched me closely as we made small talk. Finally she looked at me and asked, "Why are you shaving those carrots?" I laughed and explained that I was peeling and chopping the carrots for pot roast. She was satisfied with that answer and we continued working but never had more than a five second break in conversation. She then related her analysis of this morning's boot camp workout (she was watching from the sidelines). She said,"You were really doing good on your squats today, you were fast too. I'm sorry that you had to run so many times." Then our conversation turned to fireworks, dessert, and the antics of my one year old daughter, Sugar Bee. She helped Sugar Bee negotiate the step stool without falling and then sent her on her merry way with a little hug and a word of instruction,"Now go play with your toys." That's when it dawned on me. This sweet fiery haired girl at just seven years old is a sponge. She's learning from working alongside her momma, her aunt Misty, and other women in her life who are willing to invest the time to teach her what it means to be a lady, a home keeper, a momma, a wife, and a friend. Could I have finished that task faster working alone? Yes, but I would have missed the opportunity to invest just a little bit of myself into a lady-in-the-making. I stood back in the kitchen watching the kids play. I observed that same sweet red head plunge her entire hand into her lemonade glass, retrieve a whole ice cube, and chomp it down. She's such a curious mix of little lady and little girl. Spend some time with a young lady in your life. I can promise two things: You won't be bored and she won't forget it.
My work in the kitchen is done for now. The veggies have been washed, shaved, and chopped. They're tucked safely into the oven with the roast. Later we'll make corn casserole, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, rolls, desserts, tea, and lemonade.
What's on the menu at your place tonight?
