Monday, January 25, 2010

Cancer, Cooking and Klique-ing!



Where have I been? That has been a question I have been hearing a lot lately. All I can say is I have been living! Living with my kids homework, with my dirty house, with carpooling, with my menu planning - and loving every minute of it! 3 years ago today - January 25, 2007 - my sweet little doctor called me and told me I had 5 cm of invasive cancer. 3 years ago today - I had to call my parents and tell them that their baby was taking an unexpected journey. 3 years ago I had to call my hubby while he was on a business trip and tell him he was taking this journey with me. 3 years ago today - I sat my 1st grader and 3rd grader down and told them their mommy had cancer - but just like their Gumma - I was going to kick "cancers" butt!



3 years ago, about a million thoughts were passing through my brain. One of which was that I needed to document some memories for my girls. I had done some scrapbooks for them - but I wasn't current - and those were mostly photos. I wanted them to have something tangible with my thoughts and memories. My good friend Robin of Big Red Kitchen had started her blog - and I determined - that was how I would share my recipes and memories of those recipes with my girls.



I have done that my friends. I have documented most of the recipes I cook on a regular basis. My mother has shared her memories of dishes she has made for me. I have connected with old friends, new friends, and made many blog friends along the way. Thanks to thecutestlittleblogontheblock.com I was able to give each of my daughters a hard bound Kitchen Klique cookbook. They now are the proud owner of a 210 page book of recipes and memories.



They are 12 and almost 10 today and I am sure they do not appreciate what that book means - but someday - when I'm not here to give them that recipe for their Gumma's potato souffle or Aunt Ruthie's Blueberry Buckle - they will only need to turn to the index of the book to know that their mommy loved them so much.



Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for leaving comments. Your company was the unexpected benefit for giving this gift to my daughters. You are in my Kitchen Klique!



So, for now, I am busy living life, I am busy loving my girls, and I am busy clowning around in my kitchen. I might stop by from time to time to say hello, share a recipe or tell you about my latest kitchen disaster, but for now - enjoy my older posts - and frankly - JUST ENJOY LIFE!



This was our Christmas photo this year. I've come a long way since that picture at the top. Thank you God - Your love is EXTRAVAGANT!



Last but not least - a big thanks to my mom and dad, Curt and Bobi Benton. Thank you for telling me I can do anything - and believing it! You are part of that Extravagant love God shows me every day!

24 comments:

Kristin said...

So glad to hear from you that all is well! Will continue missing your posts, but enjoy life & stay healthy.

Jen Gilfillan said...

OK, you have me in tears my friend! Surely today... Jan 25th... is filled with many emotions, but may love and joy resound!! Your girls will surely cherish the books and all the love tucked inside. You are amazing and shine a beautiful light for Christ as you continually touch so many hearts. Blessings to you in each moment of your abundant LIFE!!

Robin said...

What a 3 year journey it has been, God is so good! What a wonderful gift to give the girls- they will treasure it forever! You are the greatest friend and I love hanging out with you!

Unknown said...

I have missed your posts and am so glad all is well! Your girls will treasure your recipes when they are older. My mother passed away unexpectantly in August 2008 but she left behind handwritten recipes - all over the place so I took them over! I now have a little girl of my own as of August 2009 and hope to pass on my mother's love of cooking to her as my mother passed it on to me.

noble pig said...

You are simply amazing.

Rindy R said...

Thank you, blog friends, for sharing you love and comments with me! What a blessed journey it has been! Russell - I love your statement in Chinese...
Friendship, like a tree, to be slowly cultivated in order to grow true friendship, and to go through hardships and challenges, can Everlasting Friendship!

Amen!

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog today. Your entry touched my heart as I have 2 best friends who have traveled journeys much like yours. Your idea of a cookbook, with all the memories, is a wonderful idea as none of us know the future. thank you for the idea!!!

オテモヤン said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Nina Timm said...

What an inspiring post, I am so glad I found your site.....will pop in regularly now!!!

amycaseycooks said...

Glad you are enjoying life. I did enjoy stopping by and reading your posts, but there are so many things more important than keeping up a blog. Lovely picture and your cookbooks are fantastic!

Sabrina said...

Congratulations on your anniversary of kicking cancer's butt! You are an amazing woman, who I am privileged to call friend. I do miss your posts and I will be forever grateful for you sharing your recipes. So many I have enjoyed. Thanks to your dad I have an new love for tomato and bean soups mixed. Sometimes with hot dogs when I remember.

Sheila said...

Haven't been blogging for a while and just now catching up, but wanted to say this is such a great post to read. I am happy for you and your family!

Controlling My Chaos said...

Rindy, It has been forever since I've been over here. I had no idea that you've been on such a journey. What a touching story. Your girls are so fortunate to have those books. They will treasure them always, I'm sure. I know I would. I'm so glad you kicked cancer's butt too. Yay!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Rindy! I just came across your blog. I would love to hear from you! Send me an email at
salesindburg@woh.rr.com .
Laura Baum
Liberty U.

Paula said...

What a great blog!

Have a nice time!
Paula

Anonymous said...

Hi Rindy,

For reasons unknown and out of the blue you came to mind today so I Googled your name, which led me to this blog. Of course I was sorry to read of your health struggles, but was happy to read of the many surpassing joys in your full and blessed life. Best wishes!

- an old friend from long, long ago (about 1988 or so)

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