WWJD

Yesterday we had the pleasure of having my aunt and uncle over for dinner. They live in Colorado so we rarely get to see them, but they were in Orlando for the week and decided to drive up and see our little family. It was so fun. I kept thinking last night that I am so glad to live in Florida because people are always coming to Florida and can stop by. I also thought how much I love having family in our house. It just makes me smile to see extended family playing with our kids because I grew up with so much family around.

I was in a bit of a quandary, however, because they invited us to dinner. I quickly told them that the experience of having dinner with my children at a restaurant is one that is not so pleasant. We decided to stay at home but Dendy, my uncle, insisted in bringing in food so that I wouldn't have to cook. Here's where the WWJD comes in...and I ain't talkin about Jesus. My WWJD in these situations is "What would Jeannie Do". For those of you who don't know, Jeannie is my younger sister and my best friend. We know each other backwards and forwards, ups and downs, highs and lows. One of Jeannie's biggest strengths/weaknesses is that she goes above and beyond the call of duty at ALL times to make people feel welcome and cared for. She has a huge heart and would literally bring you a homemade meal the day after she gave birth herself if she weren't still in the hospital. She's a great cook and a wonderful friend. I say this is a strength and a weakness because she is so loved by so many, but she really wears herself out sometimes.

Back to the quandary...what do I do? Do I let Dendy and Margie order in food when I've been at home all day and could have made some delicious feast? What would Jeannie do? No question...she would have whipped up some chicken enchiladas with homemade salsa or standing rib roast with potatoes and salad. And it would have been delicious. And she would have wanted to do it - every bit of it. I wanted to do it too, but not enough to actually do it. I did pull out the crock pot, got out my ingredients, realized I didn't have everything, then packed it back up under the cabinet.

Instead, I made a pound cake. I think pound cake is my new thing. I get to use my new mixer while reminiscing about Nana's pound cakes and the fact that mine will never taste quite as good. I love making it, love serving it, and love eating it. As a matter of fact, the last two times friends have had babies I haven't brought dinner...just a really yummy buttery pound cake. I figure once I get to the point where I'm acutally making real dinners for my own family then I can go back to bringing people meals. For now, though, I'll bring the eggs to room temperature and soften the butter because that I can handle.

Last night we had a great visit with Dendy and Margie. We ordered pizza that Dendy picked up, and I made a salad and, well, pound cake. It was fun and I didn't feel like pulling my hair out trying to get dinner on the table. It was just right for me.

So Jeannie, aprons off to you, sister. You're my hero. Really. I love the way you love people by making food for them. I hope to be able to do that someday. Until then, I'll just keep my WWJD bracelet wrapped around my wrist and dream of the days to come...by the way, I'm kind of having a rough week. I know you have three kids and Watts has strep throat, but do you think you could ship down some pot roast? Mmmm, and sour cream biscuits, and your chocolate chip cookies, and Kelly could whip up a latte....