Sometimes it's good to change up meal time a little since it can become routine and a little uninteresting. Often, by this time of year, we're able grill out, and make dinner a little more interesting, but spring hasn't found it's way here quite yet, so we'll have to wait a while for that.
Every now and then, the kids ask if we can eat in the dining room, dress up a little and use the "good dishes" just for fun. We haven't done that in a while, mainly because the dining room table is covered in various projects at the moment. But, also it takes more time and effort than we usually have on weeknights.
They asked if we could "eat in the dining room" the other night, I hated to tell them we couldn't because I feel like I say "we don't have time" too often, but the table just wasn't ready for use, and it was a school night.
When someone suggested we have a picnic inside instead, there was much enthusiasm, but a power outage during a storm threatened to dampen our plans (it was really dark!) we got the lanterns, candles and flashlights out and moved dinner to the floor in the living room for an impromptu "candlelight dinner".
And, what "fancy" dinner is complete without dessert?
I had some Sara Lee desserts I was saving to use to do something fun with the kids, but since this turned out to be fun (and, I was worried they'd begin to thaw) a Sara Lee Original Cheesecake and (my all-time favorite) Sara Lee Poundcake was just what we needed to round out our fancy candlelight picnic meal.
The severe weather eventually passed and we got our power back, but I'm sure glad I didn't say, "Not this time" to the fancy picnic request, and I'm sure glad Sara Lee desserts added to the fun.
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The giveaway
The prize: Five (5) commenters will each win one (1) coupon for a FREE any ONE (1) Sara Lee® Sweet Goods product valued up to $6.00 (expires 7/31/2011)
1. (Required): Tell us (comment below) about one of your favorite spontaneous family moments.
2. For an extra entry, tweet about this contest (I'm @busymom), and be sure to leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.
2. Five (5) winners will be picked randomly via Random.org from the comments.
3. Contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older
4. Winners have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise another winner will be drawn.
5. Hurry! Ends June 1, 2011 at 10 pm CST
Also, please come by my blog, Busymom.net and say "hi" if you're so inspired, and I'd be honored if you'd "like' Busy Mom Blog on Facebook.
As a Sara Lee MOMent Maker, this post is part of a series on making family moments. Sara Lee has provided me with compensation and coupons in return for this post. Participation in this program is voluntary; all opinions are my own. My love for dessert is long standing, and definitely my own.
Comments (11)
When my husband surprised me with a nice Breakfast early Sunday morning,he is not a morning person.
Posted by Holly Thomas | May 25, 2011 12:10 PM
Posted on May 25, 2011 12:10
I love Sara Lee Desserts! Any chance to get some, I'm there!
Posted by Kari | May 25, 2011 12:17 PM
Posted on May 25, 2011 12:17
I love Sara Lee Desserts and make sure I have one in my cart every time I shop. Umm so good!!
Posted by Jacqueline Loftin | May 25, 2011 9:59 PM
Posted on May 25, 2011 21:59
My favorite spontaneous family moments are when my oldest daughter brings my grandson down to visit us for the day. Thanks for the giveaway.
Posted by Natalie J. Vandenberghe | May 26, 2011 11:40 AM
Posted on May 26, 2011 11:40
Tweet! https://twitter.com/#!/lexiquin/status/73791300469657600
Posted by Natalie J. Vandenberghe | May 26, 2011 11:44 AM
Posted on May 26, 2011 11:44
When we're driving to and from school, you never know what is going to come out of their mouths as they talk about their upcoming or just past school day!
Posted by Katie | May 26, 2011 11:45 AM
Posted on May 26, 2011 11:45
Favorite spontaneous family moments: whenever it's just me and one of the kids in the car, and they really decide to open up and talk about something serious. Those moments are precious.
Posted by Neena | May 28, 2011 11:01 PM
Posted on May 28, 2011 23:01
We like to jump in the car and just drive and see where it takes us.
Posted by Sherry | May 29, 2011 4:10 PM
Posted on May 29, 2011 16:10
Stopping at what looked like a total dive for lunch and having a delicious meal!!
Posted by Christie | May 30, 2011 10:16 PM
Posted on May 30, 2011 22:16
We've done the picnic in the living room thing complete with finger foods no candles though.... How about the birthday party hats and leftover cake plates for a week or so after the birthday party? The never ending celebration.
Posted by addy | June 1, 2011 6:51 AM
Posted on June 1, 2011 06:51
I love it when we decide to do family movie night on a moment's notice and all sit huddled together watching some silly movie.
Posted by Michelle | June 2, 2011 8:33 AM
Posted on June 2, 2011 08:33