Ta da dat, ta da dat, ta da dat, dat, dat
Ta da dat, ta da dat, ta da dat, dat, dat
Ta da dat, ta da dat, ta da dat, dat, dat
Ta da da, ta da dat, dat, dat!

(Sung to the tune of the William Tell Overture getting faster and faster and faster and faster and faster and faster and faster…)

I did several “Half Iron Moms” in the days leading up to the big event on Sunday, September 13th. You know the drill: wake-up, do dishes, make beds, laundry away, cook breakfast, pack lunches, kids to school, pharmacy, Office Depot, Target, Costco, car wash, grocery store, put away everything all before 11:30 am. Whew!

We decided on a Southern French theme as we have spent so many happy times in Provence and it seemed to work well with our backyard. We ran all over town borrowing tables, chairs, dishes, glasses, silverware, tablecloths, etc. from all of our friends. Soon our kitchen was piled high with all of these treasures awaiting the big night.

Since the goal was to raise money, I did all of the cooking myself. I had to plan strategically to cook for 27 people without a commercial kitchen. I selected the menu so that the complicated dishes could be prepared the day before leaving only chickens to roast on the day of the party. I made one last trip to Costco right before the party as I couldn’t accommodate food for 27 in my refrigerator.

Someone better start cooking. My little helper is ready! I set aside an entire day for cooking and prep so my five year old could help. I don’t take the time to let her help as often as I should. How often do you make the time to let the little people in your life help you cook?

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