This has not been my best week. I apologize for being a bit MIA, but the blog sort of slipped down the importance scale during the only brief periods of feeling mildly human. Last evening was not one of those moments.
I picked Cinderella up from choir practice and explained to her the yucky situation. "So, I need you to be helpful and get something for dinner. Maybe PB&J or Mac and Cheese or one of the frozen meals. (Thanks, friends!) Could you do that for me? I just don't think I can stand up after driving to cook."
"Okay," she says, "How about vanilla pudding?"
"Sure," I agree. I'm pretty sure she thought she'd won the lottery.
"Really? Cool."
"Yeah, just give the girls fruit or something with it. If you want. Whatever, I don't care."
"Well, can I make Shepherd's Pie?" she asks, as we arrive home.
"Uh, I don't know if we have the stuff," I say, "And I know we don't have any meat cooked." (I usually brown all the hamburger after I shop, and freeze it so it's ready to go.)
"That's okay. I can cook it." And she proceeded to do just that. She defrosted, browned, mixed, baked--and I did not step one foot into the kitchen. She even brought me a little plate of dinner to my bed. What a sweetheart.
I think it's so true what Elder M. Russell Ballard said:
"Recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction."
Obviously, this was not one of my moments of exemplary motherhood. I really, really could have cared less if she had made only vanilla pudding for dinner. This was one of those hard times. But, with the hard, was a shining moment with a glimpse of what a responsible young woman Cinderella is becoming. She saw what needed to be done, and did it. It was fabulous. I've decided that, as a mother, I can take a tiny bit of credit for her actions. We have tried and tried to teach her to be responsible and charitable. It's very joyful to see that some of that has sunk in. I was very proud of her.
I've also decided that the reason she sang "It's a Hard Knock Life" the entire time she was cooking is because that's the play her choir is rehearsing for. I mean, I don't think I look that much like Carol Burnett.
you're right, it's a reflection of a good trainer and a good trainee. I hope tomorrow feels better.
ReplyDeleteI may have only been her activity days leader, but she's making me proud. As for you, I hope you feel better real soon!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great moment, Queen. I have something to hope for when my oldest reaches that age...as long as we're as good as you 2 in parenting. :)
ReplyDeleteI think this is a prime example of what a good mother you are. The fact that she knew enough about cooking in order to make dinner is a testament to you. Also, you have already taught her how to safely use kitchen appliances. The final, and most important thing, is that she knows that you trust her and can rely on her. Even when you think you aren't teaching, you really are.
ReplyDeleteI think that "moment" wouldn't have happened without a great Mom!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are having such a rough go with your health. Thank goodness for our kids sometimes. They make it possible for us to get through some of those really tough times (even if they are the reason for some of the really tough times!) The Lord knows and loves us all, doesn't he?
ReplyDeletei have tears in my eyes over this sweet experience. this was one of your great days as a mom--clearly, you have taught her well, and this gave her an opportunity to serve. good job, mom and cinderella!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tribute to your family! It's nice to see kids who can cook, but a whole dinner? That is really an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteThis warmed my heart, and no, you are not even close to Carol Burnett!
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