You need to get your negative emotions straight ;)

     Another quote from Jesse this morning.  As we're having breakfast with dad, I asked Jesse to pray so we can start eating.  Well, he did, and I decided I would tease him and say he was mean for  not praying for me to feel better.  (for those that don't know, I've been sick for a few days now)  Anyhow, I should know I only set myself up for these things, but that always seems to come in hindsight.  He then told me I need to get my negative emotions straight, he was not mean, just thoughtless and inconsiderate...mean would be if he prayed for me not to get better or to get worse. LOL   Hard to get annoyed when your laughing.

     This is what I love about my husband.  No matter how bad I feel, he always makes me laugh.  Add dad to that equation (he's just an older version of Jesse), and sometimes your food gets cold because you're laughing too much to eat.  Meal times in the Perkins' household are always and event.  Whether we are eating at our house or next door at mom and dad's, with Amber and Justin with us, meals are a lot of fun. When Stefani and Ellanna are added to that mix (which will happen in a few days...YAY!!!), just get ready.  :)

     This is what I feel meals are for.  Families gathering to share stories, laughs and to pick on each other.  We go through the days with enough stress and worries...meals should be a no-stress/worry-free zone.  I can say that, but if you ask my girls, they'll just say I'm the opposite.  I worry and stress over meals and my kitchen.
I say it depends on your view.  Either way, meals are for families and fun, and I say the more the merrier (that includes food and people).

     Think I need to start something new, too.  When you come for a holiday meal, bring your to-go containers.  Less mess for me to clean up, and less room I have to make in the fridge.  I wonder if I can get that to go over well with the family.  Seriously, have you ever tried to make all the leftovers fit in your refrigerator after you've had a meal for anywhere from 12-15 or more people?  Ziplock becomes a really good friend; mashed potatoes go well in one, and you can flatten the bag to stack more on top.  :)

     So, for the first time in a long time, I have not planned anything for when Stefani comes down for a visit.  Just lots of cooking and baking.  It's going to be great having both my girls in the kitchen with me and Jesse, although we're going to have to learn to dance to stay out of each other's way; my kitchen is not that big.  Or shifts, we can do things in shifts...hmmm, I like that idea.  So calories be darned....not counting them until after January (or at least I'm not counting when no one is looking...so shhhhhh..don't tell).