Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Single Tear

Let me start by saying I've noticed that I am a bit more emotional at the moment but this evening my children brought forth deep emotions in me at the dinner table.

We visited the Langfords this weekend and got to see baby Noah. He is adorable and looks like his big brother. When I think of the Langfords, I almost immediately think of Taco Soup! So yesterday I was determined to make Taco soup even though it's not as fun for me to make good dinners when Ben isn't home.

I don't give my children meal options. If they want their stomachs filled they will have to fill it with whatever I choose to make! Guess what they got last night! We always hear the same questions. "Are there onions in this?" "Are there tomatoes in this?" "What's the green stuff?" And there's more... So, Aiden says,"Are there tomatoes in this?" I say, "Nope!" (There are!) They say,"This looks like a tomato." I say,"It's called Rotel." Emma says,"It 's a kind of vegetable, Aiden." Sounds good to me!

So we put cheese on top and we stir in some sour cream and smash chips over it and I say,"Eat up!" With no complaining, they take their first bite which is an accomplishment in itself! They take more bites. Aiden, my slow and lazy eater, takes a bite after bite after bite. And in between bites he's saying, "Who made this?" (They ask that every meal.) and "This is so good!" and "Mom, I love this!" and "Mom, you should make this for every meal!" and you know what? I was so overwhelmed by there appreciation that I cried. Tears welled up in my eyes and a single tear came down my cheek. It was touching... Maybe if you come over, I'll make you some Taco Soup, too!

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I ache that I wasn't there last night to eat with you and share in extending appreciation towards you. I love you, miss you dearly, and look forward to eight days from now.

rici said...

That was just lovely, Jen. Its great when you know you have made a wonderful meal, but even better when the ones you love really enjoy it too. I always know when Jason has enjoyed his meal, because he hums during consumption and claps at the end of it.

Where were you Benny? If you
guys could please be praying for our church...there are some things in the process that may change a lot of things for the better. We are continually strinving to be a healty, vibrant group of people, and I think that its finally really starting to happen...

Ashes said...

I had a single tear when I read Ben's kind words! Taco Soup is my favorite. I wish I had been there too!

Anonymous said...

Grici,

I'm at school practically all week trying to finish up preparation for my comprehensive exams. Once I turn them in next Tuesday, life becomes 100 times more manageable and I get to be with my family again.

Julia Stewart said...

I LOVE my version of taco soup... now I am dying to try yours.

BIG HUG!!! it is these kinds of moments with our kids that give us just enough love to keep on NOT KILLING THEM!!! :-)

tara said...

dearest jenny,
that was presh! (as in precious) if only i had such a recipe for taco soup...i wish i had it so i could make eric cry...or so i could cry. please post soup recipe asap.
p.s. my word verification was: biggy

arwen said...

I'm always interested to learn about new foods from far off places. I'm no rocket scientist but I think this "rotel" could be the next potato.... just a thought ;)

Priscilla said...

yum. sounds delish! maybe i need to make me some taco soup soon because all this talk and hearing so much appreciation for it make it sound like it would definitely be worth the effort!

Jen said...

It's so dang easy. It has to be more than worth the effort!

Marta said...

when are we hanging out? we miss y'all!!

Marta said...

May sounds great!!! Weekends are best... any specific weekend in mind?

Marta said...

Kyle is checking his calendar... will let you know.

Lisa said...

I love taco soup! Its rolo's favorite and i think he cries a little too when I make it, and i like it because it lasts for days and days so i dont have to cook everyday. Rolo will eat it for lunch and dinner for about 4 days in a row. I like how your kids ask who made it, thats the sweetest form of appreciation.

Anonymous said...

Colt and I loved and appreciated this story together. We wish we could have been there to share it with you too. Of course our being there might have ruined the occasion.

Anyways, Thanks for sharing! It really made my day.

Anonymous said...

That was so sweet! I agree, you need to post your recipe for us all to use! It is definitely still soup weather here...cold and rainy! By the way, you're slide show is so cute! I'm very impressed with all the technology you can do!