Our Kitchen

That is one room in the house that never seems to stay clean for very long. But for this moment the counters are cleaned, recipes organized, floor swept, dishes washed ... :) It's a good feeling when the kitchen is clean ~ but I also love it when it's not so clean. When there are food crumbs on the floor, splatters on the counter, dirty dishes near the sink, pots and pans on the stove, recipes spread out ... it means I've been busy in the kitchen preparing yummy things for my household. For my hubby and me. ;) I am so glad that God has turned my heart toward home. I remember growing up, particularly in my teen years, mom would encourage me to prepare meals for my family. I would usually complain, because I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I did not realize what a great blessing it was to serve my family in this manner. My mom is a great cook ~ and we had yummy home-cooked meals as a family~ around the dinner table ~ nearly every night of my life. It was a high priority. And I am so grateful to God for that! It seems like such a foreign concept now a days. Family members are scattered all over the place, meals are usually fast-food style, eaten on the go or in front of the television; the dinner table is only used for special occasions - like Thanksgiving or Christmas. But God has graciously taught me the importance of having these regular meal times around the table; through my parents example, sermons, and scripture. Even when it's just Tony & Shayna. :) From the beginning of our marriage, nearly every meal has been eaten at the table together. Of course there are exceptions, like last night we rented a movie, sat together on the couch, and ate our cheeseburgers. :) But for the most part, we sit at the table, enjoy our food, and talk about our day. I love it! And it is a priority in our home.

The kitchen and meal table got lots of use Saturday evening, as we invited my parents, brother, and a couple friends over for homemade manicotti, bread, and salad. Lots of splatters on the kitchen counter. Haha. All of us gathered around the table, prayed, ate, talked, laughed... then we all migrated to the living room and later enjoyed some made-by-mom lemon pound cake drizzled with strawberry sauce. Mmmm. It was a great time!