I adore being a grandmother. I could not imagine how much you could love a grandchild, until Leila Rose was born.
I have three dear friends who are expecting grandchildren in the next few weeks. One is looking forward to being a grandmother for the second time to twin boys. The other two are first-time grandmothers.
I had so many people tell me how precious grandchildren are, but you have to experience it for yourself.
Last weekend, I kept Leila for the day while her mom and dad went to Jackson for a movie date and dinner. Whew — she is high maintenance! We went a hundred miles an hour full-speed all day long.
She arrived at our house in her hot pink princess attire, scepter and crown included. First on our itinerary was a tea party with real china. After that we made chocolate chip cookies in her Easy Bake Oven. We read a few books — her choice, of course. It was raining, so we couldn’t go outside – much to her disappointment. I received a few moments’ break, when her favorite cartoon came on — thank heavens for the magic of television!
We got on the computer to look up pictures of alligators. Her Pop was busy at the farm and could not break away to take her to look for real alligators at the farm.
A few games of Hide and Seek lasted for about an hour. This is my least- favorite game, but I chose this instead of making red velvet cupcakes. I had visions of needing to repaint the kitchen!
I remember being exhausted and thinking, “Will my children ever get home?” I had a million things to do.
About that time, Leila Rose looked up at me and said, “Lovey, being here with you is my favorite thing in the whole wide world to do.”
My heart melted, and I remember thinking that there is nothing more important than what I am doing right here, right now.
Several weeks ago, six of my high school friends and I got together for lunch and to visit. We try to get together every couple of months. We had lunch at our friend Anne’s house. She prepared chicken salad croissant sandwiches and this delicious salad and dessert.
Hope you enjoy them as much as we did. Thanks for reading.
ANNE’S DELICIOUS SALAD
1 cup walnuts
1 package Ramen noodles, uncooked and broken up (discard seasoning packet)
4 tablespoons butter
1 package Dole Romaine and Leaf Lettuce Mix
1 bunch broccoli, chopped
4 green onions, chopped
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
Brown walnuts in butter; cool on paper towels.
Combine lettuce, broccoli and green onions.
Blend all dressing ingredients.
Layer salad ingredients; then pour dressing over salad and mix just before serving, add walnuts.
BROWNIE TRIFLE
1 (21-ounce) package Chewy Fudge Brownie mix, prepared according to package
1 (8-ounce) cream cheese
1 (7-ounce) marshmallow cream
2 (8-ounce) containers of Cool Whip
3 cups milk
1 (3.3-ounce) package Instant white chocolate pudding
1 (12-ounce) jar caramel topping
1 package Heath Bar toffee chips
After preparing brownies, cool and break into pieces. Beat cream cheese until creamy; beat in marshmallow cream and add one container of Cool Whip; set aside. Stir together milk and pudding mix; stirring until thickened, then add remaining container of Cool Whip. Crumble one half of the crumbled brownies in bottom of a trifle bowl. Add layer of cream cheese mixture, half of the caramel topping, than a layer of pudding; repeat layers. Top with Heath bar toffee chips; cover and chill for 2 hours. Keep in refrigerator.
• Contact Lee Ann Flemming at lafkitchen@hughes.net.
