Freezer Meal Day

What can be better than spending an afternoon together with daughters in the kitchen? I remember when we first moved into our home 28 years ago (was it really that long ago?), it was a priority to me that we have a large counter in the kitchen. At that time we had three daughters, and they loved to be up at the counter helping me. Just two weeks after we moved into this house, our fourth daughter was born ... and then with two sons joining our family in the following years, I have been so grateful for a big kitchen counter for all the cooking, art projects, and activity ...

And today ... three of our four daughters came over for an afternoon of cooking together at that same big counter in our kitchen. We had our noon meal together, put the little ones down for their naps, and then gathered back in the kitchen ... for chopping vegetables, browning beef, assembling recipes, and chatting and enjoying each other's company. So much fun ... and after three hours, we had 20 meals ready to divide up and have for the weeks ahead!

Our three little one year-old grandsons took good naps, while three year-old Ali played downstairs in the playroom with her grampa. After naps the three little guys were entertained by all the activity at the counter while they had their snacks, and Ali played with a collection of Polly Pockets at the dining room table. 

Ali loves to play with a little toy kitchen that we have, and it happens to be a favorite toy for Cruz, Jake, and Cole now, too. We moved it into the living room for a bit, nearer to the kitchen where we were working ... and this is a photo capturing these little guys. Having their own version of a Freezer Meal Day? (Won't they just love seeing this when they're older?!)

Five yummy recipes ... Chicken Enchiladas, Beef Enchilada Casserole, Yum-a-setta, Chicken Alfredo Bake, and Pizza Loaves. We were surprised at how fast things went ... and finished assembling the last recipe about three hours from when we started.

Time for purchased Papa Murphy's pizza for supper ... and after clean-up of kitchen, and toys in various rooms of the house, our daughters packed up their freezer meals, and their little ones, and headed to their homes. Thanks, Amy, Sara, and Carrie, for a very fun day. And Cristy ... we missed you! Also, a big thank you to my dear husband for helping out with the little ones ... thanks, honey!

And most of all, thanks, Lord ... for this special day, for the blessings of family, and for providing us with so much food that we can even stock up for the days ahead.