Dinner Woes

You know what I really don't like about my job?

Dinner.

Actually, I like to cook. And I normally don't mind dinner.

Except......

What I really dislike is trying to figure out what meal to make with what is in the house. It throws me off, all the time. I may have an idea, but be missing one or two ingredients. Or find a side dish that goes really well with it would be impossible to make based on what is in the cupboard. And the fact that making a grocery list, or planning a menu, or going to the grocery is not part of my job makes it even more difficult. I almost wish I had that extra chore, so I could plan a menu and make out a list for what is needed.

At the very beginning, I actually did do that. Plan ahead, I mean, and then give MomBoss a list of what ingredients I would need in the house to make that happen. And MomBoss was pretty good about making sure I had it, but I sometimes got the feeling she wasn't always super thrilled with my planned meal if it was out of the norm of what she usually bought.

A few times I bought ingredients because I wanted to try out a recipe.

Then sometimes MomBoss would leave a note saying, "I was thinking Lasagna tonight", or something of the sort, with a recipe card out along with it. And actually, I liked that. It gave me direction. Not that I need direction, per se. But when I have no hand in really planning a grocery list or menu, and have to rummage through the fridge or pantry trying to put together a meal, it gets frustrating. I'd like to plan and know what to expect.

I am currently interviewing for another job to add more hours to my current one, since the boys are now in preschool and I am not needed as much. The next family has an almost two year old, and a set of twins on the way. Mom actually wants errands and meal prep in addition to childcare.

I think what I am going to propose is this:

I will plan out a weekly, bi weekly, or monthly menu and submit it to MomBoss for approval (until I get a feel for who likes what). When it is approved, I will make out a grocery list and buy what I need to make the meals.

I will feel so much more accomplished that way!

Valentine's Day!

Life has been busy, both in the job and outside the job! I haven't had much time to update!

What we're doing today? The sun is out (finally) and the weather may be slightly decent. Besides going out and soaking in some much needed rays, we plan to cook today! Here is one of our cooking projects - http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/heart-tarts-975751/

And for Momma, the boys and I are going to make some chocolate covered strawberries to go with their handmade cards. So, busy day planned!!!

Happy Valentines Day to everyone! I'd be interested in what fun you have planned for your charges!

Pumpkin Cupcakes

Ah, the fun of cooking with preschoolers!

Do you ever start an activity with the kids you nanny, and start to think as you begin, "what in the world was I thinking???"



That describes me.


I get so excited looking through stuff and planning what we will do.

And then the reality hits!

4 small hands that need complete guidance, but do not always want the guidance. Especially with cooking. Cooking requires things to be done in a certain order. The kids get on their stools and want to just start tearing through stuff!! But they have soooooo much fun, and THAT is why it's worth it in the long run!

These pumpkin cupcakes were fun and the kids were so good when it came to following directions and taking turns!

Tell me about some of the things you have been cooking with the kiddos. I'd like ideas!!!