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or the last two weeks, my kids have been sick (insert all the frustrated and sad emojis here). This was my first experience with two sick kids and Becca's first illness. It was terrible.
On Day 10 or so of being at home and not exposing our germs to anyone, Cooper looked at me and said, "Mom, it's been a long time since people came over!" I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked if he was talking about his grandma and grandpa - they were supposed to come over but couldn't because of said sick kids. He replied, "No I just mean any people. No one comes over to eat dinner with us anymore."
Practicing hospitality is one of my favorite things. I love to have people over, gather around the table, eat yummy food and have real conversation. And while we do have guests in our home often, I didn't realize what an impact that made on Cooper. I didn't even realize he would notice if we didn't have anyone over for a couple weeks. My heart filled with joy because I want my kids to learn how to welcome people - all different kinds of people - into their home and their heart.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when inviting people into your home is to keep it simple. Paper plates are fine. In fact, not spending time in the kitchen cleaning up allows time for more conversation. Simple meals are welcomed by the pickiest eaters! One of my go-to treats when we have folks over is chocolate chip cookies. I'll use any excuse to whip up a batch of these because well, they are delicious! I'll take every opportunity I can to eat them!
I encourage you to take a chance and invite people over. Don't worry about a spotless house or a fancy meal. Grab a pizza and whip up some cookies. Focus on the conversation, not making your home perfect. People crave REAL and you can give that to them by letting them come as they are and presenting yourself to them just as you are.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from Nestle Toll House
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Chocolate chips, however many you like
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time. In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Carefully add dry ingredients to wet and mix well. I use my stand mixer, but you can use a hand mixer also! Lastly, add chocolate chips. Scoop out onto cookie sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.
Notes - I usually double this recipe because they are yummy. I also tend to under bake them a little so they are crispy around the edges and a little gooey in the middle. Pairs nicely with a big glass of cold milk.
Also, we had friends over last night to eat these actual cookies pictured above. And so Cooper can no longer say "no one is coming over" because we remedied that as soon as we were all healthy again!
Enjoy dear friends!
or the last two weeks, my kids have been sick (insert all the frustrated and sad emojis here). This was my first experience with two sick kids and Becca's first illness. It was terrible.
On Day 10 or so of being at home and not exposing our germs to anyone, Cooper looked at me and said, "Mom, it's been a long time since people came over!" I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked if he was talking about his grandma and grandpa - they were supposed to come over but couldn't because of said sick kids. He replied, "No I just mean any people. No one comes over to eat dinner with us anymore."
Practicing hospitality is one of my favorite things. I love to have people over, gather around the table, eat yummy food and have real conversation. And while we do have guests in our home often, I didn't realize what an impact that made on Cooper. I didn't even realize he would notice if we didn't have anyone over for a couple weeks. My heart filled with joy because I want my kids to learn how to welcome people - all different kinds of people - into their home and their heart.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when inviting people into your home is to keep it simple. Paper plates are fine. In fact, not spending time in the kitchen cleaning up allows time for more conversation. Simple meals are welcomed by the pickiest eaters! One of my go-to treats when we have folks over is chocolate chip cookies. I'll use any excuse to whip up a batch of these because well, they are delicious! I'll take every opportunity I can to eat them!
I encourage you to take a chance and invite people over. Don't worry about a spotless house or a fancy meal. Grab a pizza and whip up some cookies. Focus on the conversation, not making your home perfect. People crave REAL and you can give that to them by letting them come as they are and presenting yourself to them just as you are.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from Nestle Toll House
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
Chocolate chips, however many you like
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together butter and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time. In a separate bowl, mix together dry ingredients. Carefully add dry ingredients to wet and mix well. I use my stand mixer, but you can use a hand mixer also! Lastly, add chocolate chips. Scoop out onto cookie sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes.
Notes - I usually double this recipe because they are yummy. I also tend to under bake them a little so they are crispy around the edges and a little gooey in the middle. Pairs nicely with a big glass of cold milk.
Also, we had friends over last night to eat these actual cookies pictured above. And so Cooper can no longer say "no one is coming over" because we remedied that as soon as we were all healthy again!
Enjoy dear friends!
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