The House that LOVE built

the Ronald McDonald House. We arose early for our adventure of cooking for those that were staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Lori and Hayley came over and picked up Derrick and myself and off we drove with cookie dough, cookie sheets measuring things and anything else we thought that we would need for our day of baking. We drove through the hills of Loma Linda and arrived at what appeared to be a hotel. We unloaded our items and were greeted at the front door (which we had to be let in) by the wonderful worker of the house. She led us to the kitchen (there were volunteers in the kitchen area rearranging cupboards and washing dishes while other volunteers were cleaning BBQ items outside while still others were cleaning the jungle gym.

She explained to us how sensitive the smoke dectectors were and opened the windows and doors for us (she must have known how i cook) We brought with us sugar cookies, walnut chocolate chip, German chocolate, rainbow chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookies to bake. As this was our first time many of the doughs we brought were already mixed and ready to bake. So the oven was preheated and we loaded the first 3 sheets in the oven. While those were baking Hayley and Derrick mixed the several batches that we brought that needed some mixing (we were not sure if members of the house would want to help bake to help ease their minds. There is something therapeutic about cooking but this time we had no helpers)

We baked 5 and 1/2 doz sugar cookies

2 doz walnut chocolate chip

2 and 1/2 doz german chocolate cookies

1 and 1/2 doz rainbow chocolate chip 3 doz chocolate chip cookies, these cookies were left out on the counter on a platter for all to enjoy. The house was filled with the aroma of the sweet smells of cookies being baked on a mildly cool winter afternoon.

We didn't' have help in the kitchen but there were several families enjoying the scents of the baking and the cookies fresh from the oven. I hope this little bit of time made them think of happier times. In the front of the house is Ronald himself and we couldn't help but stop and pose!

Giving Back - Ronald McDonald House

Several years ago when Vicente was super sick and staying in the hospital in Colorado, Tim used the Ronald McDonald house to sleep in when he wasn't at the hospital. They feed him and took great care of him. When he came home and told me of his experience I wanted to give back to the people that were so kind to him. Fast forward a year or two later. I met Rhonda Stewart whose Hubby Larry works for McDonalds, and Rhonda mentioned that she wanted to go to the local house and volunteer time to bake cookies. Fast forward in time and Rhonda moved before we had the chance to do this. As the holidays approach and the looming thoughts of baking come to mind I want to bake but can't eat (see previous post). The thought was there ... go to RONALD MC DONALD HOUSE and bake and make the house smell awesome and give these people a few seconds of pleasure. I talked to Lori last night and she was like that is an awesome idea lets do it! So i did it! I called!

Ronald McDonald House

11365 Anderson Street

Loma Linda, CA 92354

Phone: 909-558-8300

This is the house that is closest to where i live.

The young lady that answered the phone was so excited.

We set a date of November 23, 2008 to bake our first batch of cookies.

I am hoping that this will become a monthly tradition, and i can get Derrick, Hayley, Elyse, Nicole, Kelsie, Taylor and Devontae to help as they get older.

What a great community project! I am so dang excited.

The RONALD MC DONALD HOUSE

For nearly 35 years, Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) has been creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well being of children worldwide. RMHC is making a global impact on the most pressing problems facing families today. Our approach is to think globally, but act locally by tailoring our programs to address the most pressing need of each community we serve.
Find a RMHC Chapter near you!

How Can You Help?
You can help Ronald McDonald House Charities and ensure seriously ill or injured children and their families are getting the care and comfort they need.

Volunteer at a Ronald McDonald House or Ronald McDonald Family Room

Sponsor charity events and activities

Hold a company fundraiser

Donate toys, food or other household products

However you choose to contribute, your support will benefit more than 10,000 of families every day or 3.6 million families a year.

As we are planning at volunteering at our LOCAL house which is in Loma Linda, which is very near LOMA LINDA HOSPITAL. Loma Linda Hospital is a world-renowned Medical Center – home of Children’s Hospital, Behavioral Medicine Center and East Campus. (Vicente visited this hospital once they were great in helping me get what he needed to get his sugars under control)

Your local House also needs your help to:
Clean and organize the kitchen. Kitchens need to be stocked and organized so dozens of meals can be made daily.
Clean and disinfect the play areas. You can help kids, who are especially susceptible to germs, stay as healthy as possible.
Maintain garden, lawns and outdoor areas. Keeping up outdoor areas helps families feel like they’re staying in a clean area that people care about — just like their homes.
Host a game or movie night. By hosting special nights at your local Ronald McDonald House, you can interact with families and bring them some fun during difficult times
Host pizza parties during special sporting events, like the Super Bowl or World Series, or awards events like the Oscars.
Host birthday parties for family members.
Celebrate the Holidays:
Decorate Houses for the holidays.
Organize holiday art projects for kids.
Cook a special holiday meal for families.

This is where i want volunteer my time to make a difference!