Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Homemaking Tip – Generosity Knows No Bounds



You’ve been there. When people are so kind and so generous that it makes your heart hurt and feel good at the same time. That’s where we’ve been the last few weeks. The generosity has known no bounds. We have been so grateful for each act of empathy and compassion given. Each expression came packed with love and prayers. You have just given and given and given - your time, talents, prayers, thoughts, means. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Each act of love has come with perfect timing and made our days happier and our hearts lighter.

Since today is Homemaking Tip day, I thought I’d share ideas of the foods that friends and neighbors shared with us. The outpouring of help has been bounteous. Six of Grace’s siblings, most of their families, and her mother came to visit for the week, as well as our children and their families. People bigheartedly responded to the needs of all of us. Even though the ideas are many, I wanted to share them all since I’m always wondering what to take to families that need extra love and support. Each thing tasted so good, so perfect. Usually I put a pot roast in a pan, add potatoes and carrots, and call it good. No more. I have new and improved ideas for the future now; I hope this generosity gives you ideas, too.
  • Cashew Chicken and Rice
  • Homemade french bread
  • Fresh Pineapple
  • Watermelon
  • Green Salad
  • Brownies
  • Barbecue Sandwiches
  • Baked Beans
  • Corn on the cob
  • Potato salad
  • Banana Bars
  • Lasagna
  • French bread
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Fruit Salad
  • Broccoli Rice Salad
  • Melon Salad
  • White Cake
  • Enchiladas
  • Refried beans (real ones)
  • Spanish rice
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Chocolate pudding dessert
  • Strawberry Shortcake
  • Rootbeer and Ice Cream
  • Chicken Pasta Salad
  • No Bake Cookies
  • Taco Chip Casserole
  • Scalloped Potatoes
  • Bundt Cake
  • A warm loaf of banana bread in the afternoon for a snack
  • Warm loaves of pumpkin bread in the morning for a snack
  • Two different neighbors kindly invited us to eat at their home after all of the family had gone. They supposed we needed rest. One family served pork roast, potatoes, and all of the trimmings, while the other served spaghetti, homemade french bread, garden green beans, mozzarella with garden tomatoes, and hot fudge and ice cream for dessert.
  • Still another neighbor, a farmer in his 70’s, came with a grocery bag filled with a brick of cheese, a half a ham, rolls, butter, and mayonnaise. It was so nice not having to go to the store for lunch incidentals.
  • Another idea came from a friend who brought a huge stack of paper products from Costco (cups, plates, silverware) for us to use all week. That was a great help that I had never thought of offering to others. She also brought five dozen eggs for breakfasts.
These ideas don’t even count the food that was served at the dinner after the funeral. Add several more salads, fresh rolls, desserts, and casseroles (homemade macaroni and cheese and shepherd pie were two more ideas) to the list. These last two weeks have been plain delicious and humbling.

Praytell, what food items do you take to families in need of comfort, encouragement, or congratulations?

9 comments:

melanie said...

Never is a family more deserving for all this love and service because usually it's usually you leaving dinners for friends and their children. I know this! Another post to leave me feeling humbled and teary. People are good.

Lucy said...

I love knowing about the goodness of others.

Lynn said...

Oh, my goodness what a great list. I'm going to share that with our ward. I would never have thought of the paper products. What good ideas.

Deidra said...

I'm fairly new to the game, and in our old ward, it was mostly new moms that needed the love. Sweet and sour chicken with ham fried rice became my go-to. Really, I don't think it matters what it is, it's just the love shown by doing something.

Marie said...

Look how many people love your family.

krista at reddirtretreats said...

When my sister's family had a death she said someone brought them two huge trays of food. One had cut up fresh fruit and the other fresh veggies and dip. Even though they didn't feel hungry it was just what they needed.

Joette said...

Thanks for that great list - it is a joy to serve your family because you have given so much!
I'm reminded of my father's response when someone thanked him for his service or kindness. Without fail, he would look them in the eye with a smile and say sincerely - "It was a privilege."
That's how we feel about your family.

I like to leave a giant kettle of sloppy joe filling and tons of buns to go with... it's easily reheated and even the little ones will go for a sloppy joe - sometimes at very odd hours!

Lyle and Mary: said...

What goes around comes around, and you have certainly done your fair share of the giving end. I'm glad you were well cared for. Food is the last thing you want to think about during tough times, and yet such a comfort when someone delivers it to your door. Great ideas for those moments.

Price Cream Parlor said...

I'm glad to know that you are surrounded by people you show you their love.
There is a great lesson in this to all of us.
Generosity knows no bounds indeed!

great ideas - I never thought of 'snacks' or paper products!