December 01, 2008

"Cookin" Up Some Wonderful Memories!

This post is prompted by a conversation I had with a young lady at the baby shower we had in our home last week. She and Miss Bonnie were friends in kindergarten and she would visit our home quite often. After kindergarten they were in different classes in school so they ended up developing new friendships. As a result, this was the first time I had seen her in over eighteen years!

At the shower Caitlin came up to me and said, "I will always remember Miss Bonnie's birthday party because it was so much fun." This truly amazed me because she was only five years old at the time. I know I have very few memories at that age so I was really surprised that she would remember something so far back. You're probably wondering what we did? Well, first, I'll tell you what we DIDN'T DO: We didn't have a bowling party, a movie party, a museum party, a skating party, or a party at McDonald's. We didn't go to the circus, the pool, or even rent a clown and one of those bouncy things.

Well then, what did we do? We made pizza together, decorated cookies, and made homemade ice cream sundaes. We had cheapo blow up balloons and homemade games to go along with that. Boy, was I "bucking the trend" at the time. It was the "thing" to do to have your child's party at one of those different venues, never, ever in their homes. I was determined that Miss Bonnie's party was gong to be different. It wasn't about creating huge amounts of debt to have the grandest party in the class, but instead, it was all about creating wonderful memories.

Caitlin went on to tell me that she loved cooking side by side in my kitchen because she never got to do this in her home. It was truly a treat for her! I didn't care one bit that there were sprinkles all over the floor and even a pepperoni or two, or three;) All I cared about was that we were creating memories in that tiny little kitchen of mine! I can't tell you how happy it made me to hear Caitlin say, that, I indeed, had done that all those years ago. It brings a big smile on my face to know that she looks back on that day with such fondness.



Cooking side by side with Miss Bonnie is one of my most favorite things to do!

Finally, I want to leave you with this quote below. It's well worth the read.

"Home cooking is a catalyst that brings people together. We are losing the daily ritual of sitting down around the table (without the intrusion of television), of having the opportunity to interact, to share our experiences and concerns, to listen to others. Home kitchens, despite the increase in designer appliances and cabinetry, are mostly quiet and empty today. Strangers are preparing much of our food. And our supermarkets, which once considered restaurants and fast-food places the enemy, have joined the trend by enlarging their delis and offering ready-to-eat food they call "home-replacement meals." But bringing ready-cooked meals home is not the same as cooking in your own kitchen, where you are in control of the ingredients you use, where you fill the house with good cooking smells, and where you all share in a single dish, taking a helping and passing the platter on to your neighbor. Nothing can replace that."
by: Marion Cunningham

9 comments:

Paula said...

This young lady's memory of Miss Bonnie's party reflects the importance of home and togetherness--quality time. I always had very simple birthdays growing up, and we don't do big productions for our kids' birthdays, either.

BTW, thank you for your sweet comment about my new blog design. The picture I used for the header was taken on that "first" snow trip you mentioned. I will never forget that experience as long as I live. :)

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, Susan. What kids really need today isn't stuff, it's quality time together.

p.s. Thank you for your sweet comment on my porch...I'm hoping to get the inside finished this week...we'll see! It was perfect that the snow was starting to fall when I decided to take the pictures...God is so good!

Sharon said...

What a sweet memory - sometimes we get so caught up in "doing the latest and greatest" things, that we forget to do simply the "right" things. Thanks for sharing ----

LBP said...

What a wonderful post! Our family bucked the venue birthday parties as well. All of my son's parties were at home with homemade cake and ice cream, games like tag, hide and seek, etc.. and just having fun running around outside together.

It all proves it is the simple things in life that make it enjoyable.
Blessings
Linda

Happy@Home said...

That is a great story and speaks volumes for what a great party you gave all those years ago.
I completely agree with your quote too.

Have a great day,
Kim

Essential Oil Premier University said...

Boy, isn't this the truth about birthday parties!! Who can out do who??? I think it's easier for the parents to not have to do anything at home, but to hire everything done!!! My girls loved their sleep overs, their American Girl b/d parties, etc. We loved home parties too. Many of their friend's parents didn't want anyone in the house and could not be bothered.

I've even been to graduation parties at halls with the meal catered lately. How unbelievable is that? The parents said they didn't want to have people at the house (they have big, beautiful, enough space for a gathering homes too).

Very sad.

Blessings,

Sher

Michelle said...

What a nice story! It really does speak volumes of how the simpler things in life really do mean more :) I always had home parties for the kids, too.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. U said...

This is such a sweet post! I have to tell you, I teared up with I read about Caitlin's fond memories of your home!!! That is EXACTLY how I want my home to be looked upon!!!

His,
Mrs. U

Firefly Nights said...

Birthday parties and weddings have truly gotten out of hand in recent years. Miss Bonnie's young birthday party sounds exactly like the type of party that one should have. If only more people would realize how wasteful those lavish parties are. Each parent trying to outdo the other and turning out greedy little kids as they do so. It's nice to hear from a parent who avoided that pitfall and had a meaningful event.