Back to school dinner 2009

Most people would call me “the party planner.” I always seem to be planning, organizing, or throwing some kind of get together, whether by choice or as part of my church calling. It’s either throwing a baby shower for a friend, or decorating the gym for a big Young Women’s activity. Maybe planning a couples weekend get away, a lady's craft night, or having 15 families over for a potluck and pumpkin carving.

Regardless of what the event may be, as I am packing and hauling and preparing for these events, my kids are constantly saying “Man, that sure looks like it’s going to be a fun party, or event, or whatever the occasion is." They get these puppy dog eyes that just beg to be included in the fun that mom is preparing for. I can see it in their faces….."when are you going to put this much time and effort into planning a party for US?”

So, I thought it was about time.

The event…..A “fancy” back to school dinner. Something to let them know how special they are to me. To let them know they are important and always loved.

All of the kids were ecstatic to find out that all of the supplies I had been gathering and stashing away this week were all for a special night in honor of them.

Here is Dan teaching the kids the proper napkin spreading etiquette and giving a refresher course on manners at our “fancy dinner.” It’s amazing how much quieter the dinner is when the room is dimly lit. Dinner wasn’t rushed, everyone took turns eating and talking about church today, everyone sat a little taller, and asked for things to be passed politely. It was really quite refreshing.

But what do you expect when you leave the paper plates, Mac and Cheese, and Kool-Aid, in the cupboards. We should try this more often.

For most of the meal Hudson was chugging his sparkling cider, he LOVED it. Every 5 minutes we would hear him say, “more please.”

Tonight’s Menu

Filet Mignon, Garlic and Herb Pasta, Slow Cooked Green Beans, Garden Tomatoes, Sparkling Cider, and Raspberry Cake for Dessert

All of the kids contributed to tonight’s meal which made the evening even more special. Some helped cook. All of them helped set the table and decorate the room. A few went the extra mile when cleaning and preparing the home. It was a family event from top to bottom.

After dinner and dessert it was time to pick out what everyone was wearing on their first day of school then after scriptures that night Dan gave all of the kids a father’s blessing.

I hope my children know how much they mean to me. Dan and I live every second of our lives for these kids of ours. I hope the spiritual thoughts, the family scriptures, the fathers blessings, the time together, the EVERYTHING……all combine and culminate in a long lasting positive influence on my kids. You each mean so much to me. Thank you for being special. I hope your school year is a fantastic one.