Saturday morning and I am sitting in “my office” – – corner booth in the completely windowed addition at the local McDonalds. I have a cup of Diet Dr. Pepper beside me and an endless supply of soda just beyond two white columns. Ridiculous as it is, this is my “happy place” and I can think here in a way I can’t really explain. Maybe it’s the music of “my people” (70s and 80s hits) pumping through the ceiling speakers? Whatever it is, I am thankful to a little gal from church who is with my children so I can be here.

Honey is at the church participating in a special called session meeting. The session is comprised of the elders of our church (elected leadership). There are so many decisions to be made at our church and I am thankful that my Honey has a voice in those decisions. He is a wise man and I become more and more convinced of that as time passes. I am praying that he will be strong and courageous today and say the things that need to be said. Until last month he was the youngest man on the session and so it can be a bit intimidating – still, his agenda is much less personal than some and his love for God’s church is immense. His gifts for taking what is and making it work better. . . these are gifts that are presently needed.

So, that was a rabbit trail for sure. What I really planned to write about was the work I am supposed to be doing here at the McDonalds. I am planning our meals for the week and creating a grocery list. This has been a fun activity for me over the years- – i have really enjoyed cooking and love trying new things.

My children have reached an age that is sucking the life from this once pleasant activity. Example? I over heard a conversation in the car this week that went like this:
KB: “My mom is better than your mom.”
LW: “Na-uh. My mom is always better.”
Me: “Yep – I think you are probably right.”
LW: “Mrs. Kicklighter – why would you say that?”
Me: “Well, your mom does so much to take care of you and cooks special things for your family and plays with you. . .”
KB: “Yea, your mom is pretty great. My mom makes yucky food.”

If I counted how many times I heard, “Mom, I have to tell you . .. that looks disgusting” just this week. . . well I would probably get so mad that it would affect my happy place.

So, I am writing a blog post and hoping that you will send me a message with some help. I need to know what you serve your family that they love. . . everyone loves.

I want to know things other than spaghetti, folks, and not things that take two days for me to prepare!

I don’t care if your kids are allergic to everything but broccoli. . . how do YOU make broccoli in a way that your family eats it??

Do you shop at Trader Joes and have a favorite thing from there that is a consistent “go to”?

What shows up on your table time and time again?

Please take and minute and help a sister out!

Coralie – I want to know what those things were that your kids had for lunch on Thursday.
Regan – I want to know about that thing you sneak vegetables into.
Amy – you are revamping your entire food world. . . help me!
Emily – Your baked pancakes are a big hit. . . what else have you got for me???

I’ll be waiting!!!