slow learner

I think I'm a slow learner. For instance, it took me a few years of traveling with children to realize that the term "vacation" was misleading. As "vacation" implies palm trees, beaches, margaritas, mornings spent sleeping in, and a general sense of relaxation. Totally impossible when your kid is pooping her pants on the concourse, screaming through dinner because her crayon fell under the table for the tenth time, and waking up all night regardless of that last glass of wine you shouldn't have had. Yeah, been there. But it wasn't until I'd reach a fever pitch of doesn't-this-kid-know-we're-on-VACATION?! that I realized "oh yeah, I guess not". It would hit me that "parenthood" is just a nice way to say "indentured slavery to an adorable dictator", and the term "vacation" just did not apply. What we go on are "workcations". Once you realize that, it gets a bit easier as you learn to just be grateful for the pockets of fun that happen between the pooping, screaming, and I-had-it-FIIIIRST moments. 

So back to the slow learner thing. It's only been recently that it's been hitting me how often kids need to eat. Every. Single. Day. Rain or shine. For richer for poorer. In sickness and in health. And yes I know I'm stating the obvious, and I've somehow managed to keep little people alive for 8 years. But I always felt frustrated about it... like why can't they invent a vitamin or a formula that could be a nutritional substitute for a six year old?! Because they can't possibly be hungry AGAIN! And "I know you want the crusts cut off. No you can't have grape jelly for lunch. And please don't fill your milk up to the top". It's always such and effort... and one that I find to be completely mind-numbing.

So, instead of reacting as if it's a shock that my kids get hungry every day, it occurred to me that maybe I could become a little proactive about it. I don't know how long this will last. Because knowing me, next week I'll have Dominos on speed dial again. But for now, I'm making a week's worth of meals all in one day. And it has been AH-MAZING. The mess only gets made once a week, and I don't suffer the mental anguish of WHAT-is-for-dinner-again?! And again? And again? Who knew that Planning could change things up this much? And yes, I know it's not novel.. just an idea that my slow-learner self never applied before.

This is what you call Peace Of Mind.

Ever since my vegan Uncle visited a couple months ago, I've been dreaming of the determination to let go of animal bi-products. I'm just not there yet. Not because I necessarily love eating meat. But because it seems like a big mountain of replacement habits to climb. So for now, I'm just trying to lessen our red meat intake. It's not so hard because Jason seasons a mean turkey burger. Something else that is revolutionizing things is The Big Old Bowl of Veggies. Like the rest of the world, I joined Weight Watchers a few weeks ago. This is how I always lost my baby weight before, but for some reason I've been really resistant to the whole meeting thing. But it turns out that the online program rocks. I've already lost seven pounds. Which isn't saying a lot, because I can gain that back just by looking at a pan of brownies. Maybe if I post it here, I'll stay accountable. For now, having a bowl of veggies all chopped and ready to go for the week has been a super easy way to grab a 2 point stir-fry lunch (once you count the olive oil). Plus I think it takes your body about 3 weeks to digest this much roughage, so it's a great hunger-diminisher.  

Okay, I truly don't want to come off like I'm some kind of health fanatic now. Because if I could get away with it, I really would eat cupcakes for breakfast every day. But I stumbled on an okay alternative for the I-need-sugar-NOW cravings. These frozen blueberries started out as one of Jason's ingredients to his protein shakes. Until one day I ate one, realized that they are SO GOOD, and have started hiding them from other family members. Because let's face it, those things aren't cheap! 

Alright, that's it for the self-improvement talk... wait, one more thing. I've been cleaning out all the 2009 images and had a terrible realization when I saw how FEW photos I have of my own children. It's been truly heart breaking. And I know myself well enough to know that there's no way I'll keep up with a daily photo challenge. BUT, I have been pretty diligent about taking more photos of my sweetie pies with the intention of putting together a monthly slide show. After all, I created a bag so that people could integrate their cameras into their real lives... there's really no excuse! So I'm not sure if that project will be included here or on the eventual Epiphanie blog. For now here are a few shots I can't resist posting that were taken today.

Ice cream. You know, to make up for all those vegetables. He's not about to cry, poor baby has had the worst allergies with all the cedar in the air.

She's about to lose it.

 This one will make me cry when she's grown up, I know it.

Those lips. 

Their "students".

Here's to a great week ahead. :)

Comments

[Victoria]

Love it! I, on the other hand, took a WHOLE lot of pictures of my stepkids..but didn't have a lot of shoots last year, so this year, my goal is to still take a WHOLE lot of pictures of the kids, but have MANY more shoots! Hopefully it'll work! :) You're amazing Maile! :)

[MelodyA.]

Those blueberries are considered a "super food" so eat them up! And the turkey burger at Stonewerks is yum. I wish I could make my food ahead like that. What a great stress reliever that would be. Keep up the great work.

[Wendy Tienken]

Brilliant! I must be the world's slowest learner, like you, but it wasn't until I read this post that it hit me. Thanks for the enlightenment! I've always had intentions of panning and pre-cooking, but haven't done it. Maybe you will inspire me to do it. Because the "what's for dinner?" thing really sucks. Especially when it's 5:45 p.m.

[Wendy Tienken]

And I forgot to say, love those images of your kiddos. Especially the sleeping ones! I took some shots of my oldest sleeping the night before his 5th birthday (last night as a 4-year-old) and even though they are grainy, I know I will just be happy to have them when he's older.

[Jana Perenchio]

The baby tooth photo is PRICELESS!!!!!!

[Melissa]

While I don't know you other than from your blog I am proud of you for trying to get rid of red meat. Every time I eat it I regret it. Definitely worth it. I hope you see a difference. Eating healthy is a great way to live!

www.phillipsfortwo.blogspot.com

[Nana]

Precious lambs.

And those meals... brilliant.

I don't know if I sent you the quote by St. Augustine, but it bears repeating.
The way he defines 'peace' is "The tranquility of order."

[kim]

Wonderful series of shots, and congrats on eating healthy. Love the precious shots of your babies!

[ChaseyandCash]

I SOOO need to get on the ball and actually PLAN my meals...I guess I'm a slow learner too! Cute shots of your kiddos! I love sleeping shots!

[Whit]

This might be the tastest bowl of veggies I have ever seen! I too have been joining the "healthy" revolution and leaving behind the read meet. It has been a long and hard road. I have not mastered the turkey burger but I have high hopes for myself. I really want to learn a "healthy" chili.

[Leah godfredson]

Ditto on every single thing you said. The need to plan better-me too. I think every single thing that is wrong with my family can be traced back to my lack of being able to plan. And my lack of taking pics of my own kids-I really thought I was the only photographer that did that. Thanks for making me feel a little less alone in the world!

[kat-in-texas]

I've done WW before too (and need to do it again....). I love "THE SOUP". You know, it has a stewed tomato base and we add, rotel, cabbage, onions, zuchini, green beans, califlower, etc. And it's only like 2 points MAX. So good---hits the spot. Between you and Kal, I just might have to change my ways this 2010! ha.

[kate mefford]

LOVE the pics of your kids, here. Keep it up, chica. Let's inspire each other to do that, k?

[JenHef]

Wait.

I am supposed to feed them. EVERYDAY?

FAIL. ;D

I wish I was a smart as you. I can't even plan a week of meals, let alone make them in one day. Super Woman, you are!

[Maya Laurent]

The freezing thing really works, I did it for a long time and it was so nice. I never thought of the bowl of veggies though! Those sleeping photos are so precious. I'm sure you will cherish those forever.

[DrJoolz]

Love your blog! You have some fabulous pictures ... regarding the healthy eating thing - I have been vergetarian since I was 4 and now, some 48 years later am totally used to it. Being a vegetarian is a way of life for me and sometimes when people ask me what I eat everyday, I remember again that some people eat meat - that is to say I have a whole load of things I eat and never think there is anything 'missing' from my diet. However being vegetarian is not an automatic passport to health and you still have to avoid chocolate and cheese etc.My daughter is vegan though and although the food she eats tends to be very healthy, I think you have to be careful to get all nutrients.

[Leah]

Your pics are so so so so good. Love them.

I honestly have tried to make meals in advance. But then I get bored with the same thing over and over. Or with thawed stuff - I prefer fresh. So I end up making a meal of some kind, then eating leftovers for a day or two. Then a new meal. It's compromise.

Did I mention I love your blog!?!?

[Brandi Corriveau]

Seriously, once I finally tried planning meals ahead of time, so much stress was lifted off my shoulders. Less stress, saved money & time!

BTW...your Epiphanie bags were mentioned on this blog http://blog.veralana.com/2010/01/05/need-a-cute-camera-bag/.

[Kara]

My husband and I go to the Pearl Farmers Market in SA every Saturday. We also were interested in not eating animal by-products (which is pretty much was most of the meat out there is anyways), but the daunting task of becoming vegetarians was not really an option we wanted to exercise. So instead, we buy our meat from local farmers who treat their animals humanely and use no hormones. We eat less meat than before, and the meat that we do eat was harvested in ways that are better for everyone, including the animals. We LOVE it.

http://www.pearlfarmersmarket.com/

[Kara]

Love the whole story, but especially love the loose tooth photo!