I'm a Lucky Mommy...

I've belonged to a local moms' group for...oh wow...two and a half years now. Between Joseph's nap time and my work schedule, I don't get to participate in many of the activities, but I love going online and chatting with local mommies, getting advice and picking their brains. One of the activities that I do participate in is Meals for Moms. When a mom has a new baby or is going through a tough time, one of the moderators organizes two weeks of meals. I try to sign up whenever I can.

Feel very sorry for the poor families who have received some of my experimental recipes.

Chad, Joseph and I have been on the receiving end this week. I will never again underestimate how much of a help it is to have dinner prepped and ready without having to do any of the work.

On Sunday, Danielle drove from Fresno - toting chocolate chip cookies and enchiladas, no less. (More on the visit later.) Needless to say, the cookies were gone within 24-hours.

Side note: Danielle won a red ribbon at the fair for her chocolate chip cookies. My mother-in-law won a blue ribbon. Danielle and I are thinking bake off. My sisters, Chad and I are more than willing to be judges. Both cookies are so good, it might just take a few dozen each for us to make a decision.

On Monday night, with no more work than preparing a frozen dinner, we had amazing enchiladas with green sauce. And if we thought they were yummy for dinner, the leftovers made an awesome lunch the next day.

On Tuesday, Michelle dropped off what Chad has dubbed Broccoli Lovers Delight. It was an ooey, gooey cheesy casserole that, served over rice, was impossible to stop at just one helping. She added artisan rolls and the chewiest, richest brownies. It's almost embarrassing to admit, but Chad and I finished off the entire plate by the next morning.

On Thursday, Tara came over with dishes made from the bounty of her garden. (I have serious garden envy.) A veggie lasagna with fingerling eggplant and zucchini was accompanied by a garden salad that was literally straight from the garden. Her oatmeal raisin cookies didn't even make it to dinner.

Side note: I'm beginning to suspect that my husband - the man who claims he doesn't like dessert - has a huge sweet tooth.

Then, last night, Jennifer dropped off a dish that we've decided to incorporate into our weekly summer meal rotation. It was a chicken/cole slaw pita combo with watermelon on the side that not only made our mouths water in anticipation but was the perfect way to end a hot summer day.

It's been so much fun - and such a great help - to have these meals delivered this week. I don't know how many of these ladies read this blog besides Danielle and I think Tara? But...if you're reading this, let me just say thank you, thank you, thank you. From the bottom of my stomach.