There are a few things that can give me anxiety at 4pm every afternoon. Numero Uno on that list is what the #$%@! am I going to feed my family for dinner tonight? The shame that overwhelms me when the voice inside my head says “hot dogs & mac-n-cheese, The Hubs can order sushi” is real. This wouldn’t be so bad, except that it’s my go to more than I will admit here.
I never understood growing up that having a family would mean I was THE ONE responsible for making dinner every night that pleases every one. Sure, my Mom did it and I don’t recall her ever complaining. Clearly she is a superior human and much better Mother than me. I find it daunting. It’s like a ball and chain dragging behind me everyday … what can I make that’s easy, tastes good and is healthy? Do I have what I need, do I have to go to the store again? Do I have time? Sounds easy, but it’s not. And for those lucky Honey’s that have Hubs that cook, you are lucky and I am jealous!
The recipe research, ingredient checking, list making and shopping is a project all unto itself. Then there’s the prepping, cooking, setting of the table, serving of the food and cleaning of the mess. For me, the WHOLE SITUATION IS HELL! And yes, I’ve tried the meal delivery services and ended up with a refrigerator full of pre-packaged bags of ingredients and spices, tons of odd frozen meat and enough recipe cards to wallpaper my kitchen. As the bags stacked up in my refrigerator, I felt ever more of a failure because I couldn’t even bother to cook the stuff sitting right in front of me.
So, what to do? You could put on music and sip wine while contemplating breakfast for dinner, again. Or, you can check in here while I wax on about weekday family meals that are easy, have some healthy components and taste good. The goal here is to share 14+ meal cards that you can change up each week for variety. The dishes will have a few consistent themes: easy, healthy and something your picky kids will eat. A friend of mine runs a gluten free family and has agreed to share her meal ideas as well. WARNING: she’s an excellent cook and in addition to being a **pilot, running marathons, doing relentless charity work (and always taking the menial jobs without the limelight) she put a hot meal on the table every night. I have mad respect for her and you’ll hear from her soon enough as a Guest Blogger.
** Says Gluten Free Mom of the Year: “Full disclaimer: I am not a pilot, just an emergency only ‘land this plane and keep us all alive’ co-pilot.” Oh, right, like that is any less impressive. Geesh!
learn, laugh and lighten up,
Mrs. Funny Honey