Muffin mania

I just got done baking 7 dozen pumpkin and zucchini muffins. Whew!  The kids really like them. The winner though is the zucchini muffins.  It is amazing what people can accomplish when they have people surrounding them that are supportive and appreciative, and believe in them.  I sure am lucky to have my kids for this.  I remember Derek would say how much he loved and appreciated the chicken dinosaurs that I would heat up for him in the oven.  Only, he wouldn't say, "heated up" he would say "cooked".  I know that might just sound like simple semantics to some, but instead, I found it very profound and wise.  He knows instinctively how important his roll is in helping  others, especially those he loves, to feel good about themselves.  I think that he knows perfectly well that their was no inherent skill in heating up the chicken dinosaurs and tater tots but he knew the dived end that he was investing in, in our relationship, in the simple yet great gratitude that he showed towards me in "cooking" his lunch.  He is a wonderful example.

I have been having fun cooking for the kids for a while now and have not written about it for some time.  They are especially fun to cook for.  Their appreciation is quite wonderful to me.  It means a tremendous amount.  Not that they are gushing or overstate their appreciation, it is the fact that it merely exists and given freely.  I love them and appreciate them so much for this.

We have enjoyed a number of recipes and Hannah tells me (mostly, but Derek as well) that she wants to be sure to get a copy of the recipes that I make for them.  Again, what a seemingly small thing but to me, it means so much.  Here is a list of some of the dinners that the kids have expressed to me they love when I make.  (even typing this makes me feel good).   I hope they will remember them fondly as well and pass them on to their children.
1.  Balsamic Vinegar chicken with fresh tomatoes
2.  White chicken spaghetti
3.  Creamy white chicken and artichoke lasagna
4.  Salsa chicken
5.  Cafe Rio salad
6.  Jambalaya
7.  Cheesy chicken tater tot casserole
8.  John Wayne Casserole
9.  Chicken pillows
10.  Aunt Kelly's honey chicken (yes, from Aunt Kelly Smith)
11.  Aunt Kelly's curry chicken
12. Pad Thai
13.  Creamy beef stroganoff
14.  Nanny Supreme
15.  Pork with pineapple salsa
16.  Mexicali hamburger casserole
17.  Swedish meatballs
. . .
Thank you my wise children, I love you!