Counting one thousand gifts has become such a blessing for me. I am taking the time to notice the simple everyday things in life. How often have I missed those special blessings because I was too busy to notice?
So, I continue my counting...
I taught the girls in Culinary Camp all about table manners. They learned the proper way to set the dinner table. I found a wonderful way to help them remember the proper placing of the utensils from
All Free Crafts. The author shared a story and described "the fork was the imprisoned princess, separated from her prince (the spoon) by an alligator-infested swamp (the plate) and a mean soldier (the knife)."
Although the girls created their own place mats, I was amazed at how easily they remembered how to do this after learning the story. Here are a few of their creations:
#98 Observing the creative way the girls drew their place mats
We had a meal in the teacher's lounge since there was a larger table and a working oven. So we sat around the table and practiced good table manners. The school is comprised of people of many faiths. However, as we sat down one of the little girls announced that we had to say grace. She held her hands out so others could join in. Oh, how I wished we could openly do so but ...
#99 My heart leaped with joy to see this little one saying grace
We had a special day when I invited the students to bring a sample of one of their family's favorite recipes. They had an opportunity to tell the class a bit about the food they selected to bring and we each got a small taste.
Alexandra's parents are from China. She eagerly shared that her mom's recipe for egg rolls was so much better than what we get at restaurants. Although the recipe is a family secret, it was filled with delicious pork and tasted oh so good.
#100 Seeing family traditions continue to the next generation
Alyssa shared a coffee cake that is a specialty of her father's. As we neared the end of the last week of Culinary Camp, she told me that she hoped her dad would now allow her to help out in the kitchen more.
Ryann was so excited to bring in her red apron to wear while cooking.
I was happy to teach the students how to make Norwegian waffles. They tasted them and seemed to like them. However, they weren't used to eating waffles without syrup. Norwegians eat their waffles as a snack and not breakfast. We often add butter and jam.
#101 Sharing family traditions and food with one another
#102 Hearing the excitement in the girls' voices as they hoped to share all they were learning with their families
On our last day of Culinary Camp, we made cupcakes for the 4th of July. We made red, white and blue ones using food coloring in three separate bowls. The students each got to help out and after the cupcakes were cool, they had such fun decorating them.
It did get a bit messy but they were having such fun! Everyone got to eat one and then they gave a few to several of the teachers and brought the rest home to their families.
#103 Listening to the laughter as the girls were so excited baking and decorating cupcakes
What a fun experience Culinary Camp was for me! Greg helped me put together recipe books for each girl to take home. We had a page for each recipe along with a photo so they could share them with their families. Greg spent hours printing and editing for me in the early hours of the morning before I left for work.
#104 A husband who helps me and loves to hear all of my stories about the children
Are you counting your everyday blessings? I encourage you to begin. It will change your perspective on life.
Blessings and love,