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So, any guesses on how much the groceries for our trip to the Ronald McDonald House cost?

Perhaps you're wondering what we used the rest of the groceries for. Well, we made cornbread by combining the cornbread mix and the yellow cake mix. You prepare the mixes according to the directions on each box. Mix this by hand to avoid overmixing. Then you sort of split the difference on the baking instructions, erring toward the side of the cake directions for baking times.

Next, the whole jar of honey (16 ounces) is mixed with the pound of softened butter and 24 tablespoons (about 3/4 of the jar) of the marshmallow creme. You mix this with an electric mixer until it's fluffy. Slather this on the warm cornbread for a homespun spread. Yum! Oh! And we made a wonderful fruit salad with all the fruit. Some of the girls had never cut up a pineapple, so that was - - uhmmm...interesting, to say the least. They learned a new skill. And by the way, Aldi consistently has excellent pineapple. Even this time of year. This never ceases to amaze me! The cantaloupe presented a cutting challenge, as well, but again, the girls have now mastered this new skill (well, OK, "mastered" might be a little strong!).

OK, so the grocery total? Just under $90. That's a little hard to believe, isn't it? We had enough to feed about 50 to 60 people. Unbelievable.

That's Aldi for ya'. What a store.

And the girls did an amazing job putting everything together. One family we served said our meal was the best they'd had in months because often the folks who bring meals just bring soup in a can, rolls in a bag and canned fruit. That made our girls feel really special, not to mention thankful for their health and that of their families. After going on a tour of the facility (which was stellar, by the way), it further engrained their "Attitudes of Gratitude".

These girls are at a great age, where they truly enjoy helping others. I hope they'll carry these experiences with them throughout their lives and always remember to continue helping in their communities, wherever they land. What good are all of God's gifts if we keep them to ourselves? Call me a Pollyanna, but I really believe that's part of what these girls are learning. I'm not even sure they realize it. It's that much of an intangible to them right now. Someday, though, I think they'll get it. And I predict that they'll be a lot younger than I was before I "got it". And I think it will be in large part due to their time as Girl Scouts. That and the values that their parents have instilled in them. Parents, give yourselves a pat on the back!