Tea Anyone?

Last Tuesday night was our Ladies Annual Christmas Tea. We had such fun. The attendance was great, especially since there is always so much going on this time of year that competes with everyone’s schedule.

Actually, our tea doesn’t qualify for an official tea by English standards. In fact, an English woman just might drop her crumpet in her teacup if she attended ours! First of all it’s at night instead of afternoon. Second the array of food is not what would be found at an English Tea. Third and last is the fact that very little hot or cold tea is consumed at our Tea. But you know what? It is ours and tailored to meet the needs of working women so it doesn’t really matter as long as the gals enjoy it and they did!

The ladies out did themselves in the variety of finger foods and desserts. There was around 40 different platters of something. And good… oh yeah!!! My mouth had a party! The beverages were hot apple cider, hot chocolate with whipped cream, water and of course hot tea.

I am in charge of the December meeting (which is the Tea) so I get to do the shopping, decorating, etc. This year I used the traditional red, white and green color scheme. Instead of china I used very nice square disposable dinner ware. Last year it took FOREVER to wash all of the plates, cups, glasses and flatware so I helped myself out this year and the clean up was much quicker. We also invested in commercial carts and tubs to move the items back to their places of storage.

After everyone had finished eating and had some time to visit, we moved into the sanctuary to watch a movie of the “big screen. We drew names for 3 door prizes then I did a set up for the movie “The Nativity”. Most of the ladies had not seen it and really enjoyed. To see the shining faces of women who were able to take a break from their busy lives to kick back for an evening was worth all the work and preparation. One young mother of three preschoolers told me she was so glad to have been able to attend. She mentioned that it was a fight but she made it. I’m not quite sure what she meant by “fight” but I was so glad that she had some girlfriend time – she needed it I’m sure.

The day after I spent time making sure everything was back in place. Our wonderful custodial team had most of the tables and chairs back in the gym (we are setting up for the Christmas banquet) by the time I got to the church. I cleaned out my office and brought several boxes of stuff home. I washed 41 pedestal glasses and brought home a mountain of tablecloths to wash.

Today, Life at the Parsonage was cluttered!

Sherry

Each Wednesday is my day to spend with toddlers. I begin the day with my beautiful three-year-old granddaughter who comes at 10:30 a.m. We have such fun together. I am so blessed to be able to spend time with her at least twice a week (not counting Sundays). Her mom picks her up around 5:30 p.m.

On Wednesday nights I have the toddler class at church. We do crafts, music, band, play group games, read books, tell stories, free play and eat snacks. I only have them for approximately 1 ½ hours. Some nights it’s wild but most nights it’s amazing. To see their little faces light up with excitement rocks my world. I have 8 little tikes each week and it is such an awesome experience to be with them.

Right now, one of my ministries is to these little ones. I get to plant the seed of God’s love for them and watch as they learn new things. Only time will tell if there will be one that will pass through this class that God will use in a mighty way. My part is to give it my best for the Kingdom. God’s part … will be done perfectly.

Today, Life at the Parsonage was hopp’n!

Sherry

Holy Cow

Thanksgiving is a time that I like to reflect upon what I have been given and what is important to me. Family is always at the top of my list. To have warm loving relationships with those in ones family is priceless.

This year I was so lucky ??? to be the hostess (and cook) for two Thanksgiving celebrations. The first one was small – 7 in total. It was a peaceful day with the traditional food -- turkey with all the trimmings. The second one was for 30 people and the menu was roast beef which, for the most part, included the usual side dishes.

The roast was a real shocker! I ordered some side dishes from the owner of a local restaurant and also ordered a top round roast (which was half the price of the meat market). He never knows exactly what size roasts he will receive but thought that a 15 lb. roast would be about right for the lunch then some left for sandwiches for later.

Holy Cow! The smallest one he received was 21lbs! It was so huge that it looked like the whole back end of the cow! No joke! It was approximately 2 feet long, 10 inches wide and 6 – 8 inches thick. I had planned to do what is called a dry roast. It’s so yummy and slices beautifully.

My problem now was deciding how much of this beast I should cook. I finally decided to cut it in half and then cut that in half again. That gave me two 5+ lb. roasts. The next decision was – how long do I cook something so thick!! I spent forever on the Internet trying to come up with a formula and deciding when it should go in the oven and be ready for 1:00 P.M. But I conquered it and it came out perfect! The meal was a success and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Prep ahead helped to minimize stress.

The best of all was that my hubby had reserved a cabin on a lake (not too far from our home) from the Sunday before Thanksgiving until the Monday after Thanksgiving. I didn't get to be there as much as he did – because I was COOKING & COOKING & COOKING. Saturday evening we enjoyed cuddling and watching a movie. Sunday night after church we took off to the cabin again and relaxed then returned to real life Monday evening in time for me to meet two dear friends for dinner and a movie in celebration of two of our birthdays. (I was one of the two. :)

It’s been a great holiday, and yes, I count myself lucky and blessed to have had the health and energy to be able to host and cook for two Thanksgiving dinners. Today was all things normal. God has been good and faithful once again.

And tonight, Life at the Parsonage is peaceful – whew!

Sherry