Today finds me in a thankful mood. Why? ‘Cause I’m writing out thank you cards, of course!
(Five down…over 25 to go. I’m doing well.)
This is actually a much-loved task for me, believe it or not, because with every note I am reminded—and humbled—by the incredible kindness we have been shown since Anthony’s arrival.
I only hope that I remember everyone!
Consider, for example, the package that came from Barbara.
This package was filled with no end of treats for the whole family. I’d have to say that, apart from the bag of lemon snaps that I pretty much polished off single-handedly, the hand-sewn baby quilt was my favorite.
I don’t know why that would be.
Is it because, um, it’s so darn lovely?
We have received flowers (like the ones at the top of this post) from friends-of-the-heart with very big hearts, as well as a beautiful guardian angel nightlight from a saint of a gal in Florida.
And finally, we’ve gotten meals.
Oh my goodness, have we gotten meals.
We have been getting homemade meals delivered to our door for the past five weeks. Monday through Thursday they arrive, freeing me from the burden of planning & shopping & preparing, and treating the whole family to unbelievable fresh-baked goodness.
I love this “Meals to Mom” apostolate and both my church and my homeschooling co-op take it on like nobody’s business. We’ve received Mexican lasagna and taco casserole, beef au jus sandwiches and pot roast. We’ve devoured twice-baked potatoes and fresh fruit galore…
…and oh, those homemade baked goods.
I love that they don’t forget those baked goods.
(What? I’m a nursing mom and I get hungry.)
In any case, this meal-making mission has to be one of the nicest and most appreciated apostolates I’ve encountered. It’s easy to do and yet, so very needed. You can bet that I will be paying this forward.
Here’s some advice for those of you who want to take on this generous apostolate. Take my words for what they’re worth, keeping in mind that I’ve had five weeks to form an opinion!
- Pack the meal in disposable pans and containers. You don’t want to give New Mom something else to remember. (I once learned this lesson the hard way and have the missing meatloaf pan to prove it.)
- Include paper plates as a special treat. No dishes for New Mom that night!
- Phone ahead and ask what she’s in the mood for. As yummy as those pans of lasagna are, they probably don’t want to be eating it four days in a row.
- Set up an online calendar (here’s a good one) so that other moms can see what’s on the menu and pick a day to deliver their meal.
- And finally, do not forget those homemade baked goods!
I’m just sayin’.
All for the greater glory of God,
That online calendar is an amazing thing and useful! After Shortcake was born, we were brought chicken and rice four times in a row by four different people.
These ladies are making me feel very guilty for not promptly sending a baby gift to you. 🙁 But I do hold you responsible for my lateness, Margaret. If you had only found out the sex well ahead of time, I would have had more time. 🙂
No guilt, Jenn, please!
Any extra lasagna you can send to us in Pennsylvania. We love lasagna. (except the nine year old who hates all food that's not hot dogs or pizza)
Receiving a meal at my front door would have been the BEST baby gift back in my baby days!!!!!! Brillant idea.
signed
theresa in Alberta
wait, let me guess.
You really liked the baked goods??
mmmmm
That does sound good!
Love the box of goodies, and that quilt is scrumptious, I love the colors!! Oh and so is that little bundle of goodness laying on it 😉 So glad you're doing so well with your little snuggle bunny sweetie!!
Oh what a blessing! And the quilt is so bright and beautiful –I love the colors! Which reminds me, I owe you a quilt square. . .
You are truly blessed to have such wonderful people in your life. 5 weeks, wow! I love the idea of the paper plates, I will start adding those.
The quilt is just darling!
That quilt is so precious! I love the combination of vinatage-look fabrics and the pattern is so wonderfully quaint and old-fashioned looking! Perfect combination! I'm sure it is giving your little darling sweet dreams.
And what a great apostolate you've got going there with the meal delivery! You must feel so loved and cared for!
I love the meal delivery idea. Don't think we've got anything like that going on at our parish. But we just moved here in November, so I could be wrong. Fortunately, my mom is coming next week and will be able to help cook. I doubt she'll bake, though. She's a good cook but she's never been a baking mom. I am so with you on the baked goods.
I don't know which is more scrumptious Anthony or the quilt. Can you post a picture of the whole thing, though, without the baby? I want to feast my eyes on those lovely colors. (Ok, yes, I confess I'm a quilt geek. I find that photo both adorable and a bit tantalizing.)