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August 23, 2011

A Bit About Me, August Edition

My birthday is February 23, and on the 23rd of each month, I’ve taken to sharing a couple of random things about me.

This month I’m writing as part of Holly’s What I Love About Me! link-up at Twins Plus One, Three Times the Fun.

23) I love that I love to cook.

I’m not a gourmet, by any stretch, but I really enjoy being in the kitchen. There’s just something about creating a dish from simple ingredients…and taking care of my family in the process…that is really fulfilling to me. I love trying new concoctions, and also making those tried-and-true dishes where I don’t need to crack open my recipe books. Since the girls were born, we go out to each much less often than we once did. I love that I can find joy in something I do every single day…might as well!

24) I love that I love doing things for other people.

Of course I love to be on the receiving end of good fortune, but I find a lot of joy in making other people happy. I love surprising my hubby with his favorite dessert, or making a plate of goodies for him to take to his students. I try to keep a little mental tally of my friends’ favorite cookies, flowers, colors…it’s so much fun for me to surprise someone with a little “happy”. I try hard not to focus on just material things, but showing people that I really know them in other ways…with an impromptu card or goody. I’m working hard to instill this same love in the girls, helping them find the joy in doing for others, too.

[I usually keep these posts a bit more random, professing my love for my measuring spoons, or my affinity for my favorite pen. This was actually kinda hard to write…it feels a little boastful…but I think that’s part of Holly’s point. We all need to step back and pat ourselves on the backs from time to time and appreciate the wonderful gifts that we all have to share. Thanks for the prompt, Holly!]

13 comments:

Marcia (123 blog) said...

I love that about you too :)

You and I are going to be talking a lot more recipes this year which reminds me Aug is fast coming to a close and I've tried NO new recipes :)

Just Another Mom of Twins said...

Those are two great qualities to teach children...I hope I can do that for my kids too!

:)

Anonymous said...

love that list. :) we're so similar! i love to do little surprises, too. (although i have not done a lot of it in the last two years--i'm just getting to a place where i feel like i can do it again).

and, b/c i know you'll appreciate this on MANY levels, i lost my pen that i use to write in the kids' book. i took it with me on vacation b/c i write in it every day, but can't find the pen anywhere :( boo.

Unknown said...

I wish I was a better cook. I CAN cook - give me a recipe and I can do most things - but I'm not very creative and I don't do good just throwing stuff together. I'm ashamed to admit sometimes that Paul does most of the cooking around here. He's MUCH better than I am and enjoys it more, too.

Holly G said...

What a perfect post! Those are certainly things to be proud of! Thank you so much for joining in - you hit the nail right on the head when you explained my reasoning behind the prompt. :)

Andrea said...

Great things indeed! I wish I liked to cook...my hubby on the other hand loves it! Plus is awesome at it! I do alright, but th passion just isn't there! Have a happy Wednesday!

Julia said...

I love both of these!

#24 is so awesome, Mandy! I very much appreciate people like you that are intentional and remember little details about things I like. It makes me feel loved, appreciated and important---how wonderful that you do that for the people you care about---I'm sure you are an amazing gift in their lives! :)

And #23---this is a gift you give your family every mealtime. Good for you, good tasting food for you hubby and girlies! And---you're already passing your love for cooking on to your girlies!! :)

Marcia Francois said...

PS I wanted to say thanks for the album ideas - I think I need to do this for the family - I am so done with printing pics for everyone - it also seems like no one is as grateful for my efforts as I would be... hmmm, that could just be perception as I REALLY value when someone takes the time to do anything for me.

championm2000 said...

Knowing how to cook and also enjoying it are not small things! I wish I could say the same.

I love how you are growing the spirit of service in your girls by your example.

Helene said...

There is definitely joy in creating a dish your family enjoys! I'm not so great in the kitchen but I do find it a little bit relaxing...sounds odd, I know.

Anonymous said...

http://dematom.com/images/2011/08/23/430398-budeshi_koziu.jpg





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Rebecca said...

Are you one of those people who just remember things about people? Or do you keep it written somewhere? My memory always fails me and I marvel at the people who remember!

I love to cook too...love it!

Renae said...

I have a good friend from college who is always good about remembering the little things that make people happy. I love that about her. Come to think of it, she really, really loves to cook too. Hmmm... perhaps she's your long, lost twin! :o)