Second Shift

The other night I asked Bryan to say something nice to me. Actually, I told him to. Usually I don't like to fish for compliments, but I needed one. I thought that he would say something like, " You're amazing" (and he did, but I made him give me something else because that was too vague and uninmaginative). Then he said, "You're a really good cook." I was about to be annoyed (because this is common knowledge and I wanted him to really try), but then he continued, "You put so much care into the things that you make for our family to eat. You care about how nutritious it is, how good it tastes and how long it takes to make. You really care about the details and that really means a lot to me."

I was FLOORED. That is far and away one of the best compliments that I have ever received! Knowing that someone notices how much you care about the little things that you do for your family is a big deal! Well to me it is anyway. I can't do big extravagant things for my family, so when someone notices the small things that I am able to do, it means a ton.

The next day, my euphoria came to a screeching halt. I start second shift this week at the hospital. How am I going to take care of my family's nutritional needs? Most people would say, "Leave it to Bryan to throw dinner together", or "They can have pizza or PB&J some nights". While there's nothing wrong with that really, internally I'm apalled at the thought. Don't get me wrong. We have pizza for dinner a couple times a month, and about once a month we might go out to dinner on a weeknight (HELLO EL J'S!)*. But I try not to make this a habit. I like to have dinner at home as a family with a homecooked meal as much as possible. I believe in the idea that sitting down to a meal together, whether it be spaghetti with sauce from a jar or a four course meal, positively influences your children to make good decisions.

So I came up with a plan: I don't have to leave for work until 1:15, so in the mornings I will prepare a meal so that all Bryan has to do is warm it up or throw it in the microwave. I will (try to) document this whole process, mistakes and all, so if any of you out there are in my same situation, you can see what works and what doesn't without having to make the mistakes for yourself. :) I will try to include recipes as well, if I remember...

On the menu for this week:
Monday - Pop Pulled Pork (Courtesy of Pioneer Woman) and cole slaw
Tuesday - Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad ( Courtesy of Cook Yourself Thin)
Wednesday - Pepperoni Pizza with Whole Wheat dough
Thursday (day off since I have to work the weekend) - blackened tilapia sandwiches with cilantro lime mayo and rice
Friday - Tuna Casserole (this oldie is seriously my 9-year-olds FAVE)

I really hope you all like this little experiment of mine. If it's not helpful, I at least hope it's a little entertaining!

* El J's is El Jeripeo. It's the best Mexican restaurant in our area. There are only 2 Mexican restaurants in our tiny town, but this one is by far superior.

Before you go, please enjoy this picture of my sweet babies! :)

 

K-Dub