I have decided to give myself a week off from menu planning. Why? Because three out of four of our boys are at their grandparent’s house right now. This means that I only have three people to cook for. The three of us remaining at home do still have to eat, and in fact, since it’s just Matt, Asa, and me, I may even make some extra special meals. But I see this as being a very laid-back week. There’s not even a little piece of me that feels like making a plan. And so…I rebel. :)
Do you ever feel that way when some of your family members aren’t home? Planning and cooking a big meal three times a day just doesn’t seem as necessary when the whole family isn’t here, for some weird reason.
Since I’m down three kids, I plan on taking a little vacation from the “norm”. What kind of vacation am I taking, you ask? The kind of vacation that includes painting a house, getting extra writing done, cleaning out closets and cabinets, and you know – other very “vacation-y” type activities that can be done much more easily when you are neither cooking for a crowd nor doing boat-loads of laundry.
Kudos to my dad and his lovely wife, Tacy, for being the ones who are making it all possible this week. I already miss my kids so much that I find it’s best if I don’t think about it too hard. Denial about my true feelings is a happier place to be. I know they are having a wonderful time with grandparents. (And they are probably enjoying ice cream every night before bed…) :)
Asa did request Homemade French Fries this week saying,
“It will be much easier for you to only make fries for three of us instead of six…”
He’s so thoughtful.
And yes, all three of us will enjoy not having to share the fries like we usually do!
If you typically look at my menu plan each week to help you figure out what your family is eating, go ahead and sift through my archives of menu plans to see if you can find something that looks good.
Right now, my non-menu making self is going to take a nap. I figured that would be a good idea before I started my painting and writing filled vacation… :)
I can SO relate…yesterday was the END of our “3 week scatter”. Had two a state away for a week, helping older brother move back to the area and then lost one to scout camp for a week. I think its all part of MY training…to get me used to the idea that someday they will all be in their own homes. Ive felt like an empty nester for long enough this summer thank you :o) I didnt cook very much at all in their absence either. Im going to have to be careful…Subway & a particular local Mexican restaurant were TOO easy & affordable meal solutions for just 2-3 people (vs 5 adult appetites – lol).
Now that they are all back home, its back to reality and me COOKING :o) But its a far trade. This month they will be building a new hen house, setting a new 60′ clothesline and re-setting the corner posts for the garden fence (after 6 yrs). Also re-dong some electrical in the living room that will require significant drywall work afterward and then painting the whole living room :o) Just found out I have to replace the shower head today too. All this on top of starting our homeschool back up EARLY (grades 8, 11 & 12) so we can take an extended holiday back east TOGETHER later in the year. Its a pretty fair trade in my opinion….having myself cooked 18-20,000 meals over our 21 year family life
Too funny! I guess it’s just the season. Last week my 2 teenagers were gone and I felt like it was a vacation. We actually had leftovers!!! But as sweet as it was, it sure is nice to have the whole family back together after a week!
Laura, just a hint on the fries … if you fry them a few minutes, take them out and drain them, then put them back in and fry a SECOND time, they turn out much more crispy! I was never satisfied with my homemade fries until I learned this trick – it made all the difference! Think about it … the fries you buy in the freezer section of your store and the bags of fries they dump in the oil (BAD oil, I might add) at fast food places have already been pre-cooked, so you’re just doing the same thing by frying them twice at home. No more soggy fries! (-:
Thanks for the great idea!
I found myself thinking this after all the kids were grown. It seemed like it would be so easy to cook for only two. What I found out about myself was that if I don’t write it down I just don’t cook at all and we eat out ALOT. But, one week here and there won’t hurt!
Good for you Laura, you need a break too…..enjoy it while you can…..these frys do look good :)
Have a great vacation, painting,cleaning closets, writing, etc :) a mom’s work is really never done….I only raised 2 kids,compared to your 4, so I understand how busy you were….plus I worked a full time job outside the home….when I got home from work,the rest of my day had just begun….cooking dinner, laundry, etc….up until bedtime….no free time for me…..now I am retired and I do just what I want to do, when I want to do it :) love being retired……
Those french fries sound SO good! I never make them in oil because of the calories. However, never thought to use my palm shortening. I think I will give it a try. Just not eat so many. (SURE!)
I rejoice with you at having some extra time to get other things done. I’m also a busy mom juggling so many responsibilities and can well relate with you that it is a “vacation” to get things done that nag at me during the busy school year when there just isn’t time.
Wishing you a productive week! Tell us all the projects you do get accomplished! We’ll live through you vicariously =)
I rejoice with you at having some extra time to get other things done. I’m also a busy mom juggling so many responsibilities and can well relate with you that it is a “vacation” to get things done that nag at me during the busy school year when there just isn’t time.
Wishing you a productive week! Tell us all the projects you do get accomplished! We’ll live through you vicariously =)