Kitchen Proposition

If it was considered a healthy diet I could eat some kind of chips (with and/or without dip or salsa) and drink ice cold Dr. Pepper for just about every meal.  Crazy thing is, besides the fact this diet is not considered acceptable, my husband and children don't share my opinion!  They prefer meals consisting of real foods.

Their desire (and apparent dietary need) for a more balanced and diverse diet creates a constant strain on my culinary creativity.  I currently have MAYBE a dozen meals in my rotation.  Recently, much time has been spent in prayer and contemplation about how to become more organized and purposeful in meal planning and expansion...of meals in the rotation NOT my waistline.

I have a friend who runs circles around me with her projects around the house.  She is one of those...sewing, decorating, painting, baking, cooking, planning, organizing, etc. So, rather than be discouraged by watching the amount of things she gets accomplished compared with the tiny amount I seem to attempt, I have decided to be inspired by her meal planning.

Every Monday this friend puts together a meal plan for the week. This makes sense. I'm sure it is a good thing. My kids are always asking me "what's for dinner, mom"? With a meal plan I would be decked with delicious answers without a bit of hesitation. But, I must admit I'm a bit stymied by the size of the task. No matter how good it seems or how much sense it makes, it all feels overwhelming to me.

Armed with my friend's weekly meal plan and a very helpful blog she introduced me to ... the time of execution has come. I am mustering up every ounce of courage I have to make this huge step from my comfort zone into an unknown arena.  Meal planning and menu expanding time is here.  I am using my blog to hold me accountable.  If I can be diligent and disciplined I believe this will be a wonderful endeavor.  Praying that I don't fail!  :)  My cousin posted a quote the other day on Facebook,

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing itself is changed, but that our power to do is increased.”

I am hopeful that if I am able to persist in this new kitchen proposition it will become easier along the way.   It is a pleasant thought to be prepared to give an answer when my kids ask "what's for dinner, mom?" ... because right now my general, all purpose answer is "food."