Well it’s official! Summer is HERE! Our nieces and nephews are out of school and we are already arranging a schedule when they will all be able to come over. We usually have our two teenage nephews every other weekend, and sometimes weeks at a time in the summer. Now the younger one’s want their turn at sharing Auntie Rara and Uncle Duck. I absolutely LOVE having the kids here. And although some days I am exhausted and weary, it is such a joy for me to have them. But I confess I struggle in the kitchen with more people in the house. Between preparing, feeding and cleaning up it feels like I spend 90% of my time in the kitchen. So I’m asking you to share some of your “treasures” with me! I need HELP!
Here are some of my problem areas:
1. Sink full after sink full of dishes
2. I usually cook for 1-2 so it’s hard for me to think of meals to feed a whole family
3. Making inexpensive/healthy meals that the kids like – not junk food because it’s easier
4. I usually eat whenever I am hungry so it’s been difficult for me to remember and start meals early
5. Some days I only sit down an hour before starting the next meal (seriously that is rediculous!!!)
6. I never have the right ingredients in the house to make full meals and this frustrates me
Ideas I have for solving some of these issues:
1. Have the kids help with setting the table and cleaning up afterwards
2. Crock pot meals seem to be working pretty good, I need more recipies
3. Make a menu the week before so I can plan ahead and be more prepared
4. Use paper products, although I hate too waste the money, it might be worth it for some rest
I would really love to hear your kitchen tips and tricks. Please share your recipies, cleaning ideas, anything that will help my summer be more enjoyable and less exhausting. I’m sure some of you more experienced moms have some great tips for me that I can use. I look forward to hearing them!
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About Sarah @ Stand By Faith
Definitely make the menu
I make one for two weeks and then make my grocery list so I don't spend more than what I need to spend. Here is a recipe that someone gave me several years ago. It feeds at least 4 people and my kids love it. (not the greatest nutritional value though, LOL!)
Enchilada Pie Casserole
2 pounds ground beef
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can enchilada sauce
1 can of green chiles (optional, I don't use it)
1 cup of milk
1/2 cup of water
1 14-ounce bag of tortilla chips
8 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded)
8 ounces cheddar cheese (shredded)
Brown meat. In large pot, cook soups, enchilada sauce, green chiles, milk, and water until well blended. Add beef.
In a casserole dish, layer chips (slightly crushed), meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used up. Save 1/2 of cheese to sprinkle on top of dish. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Enjoy!
Bellabug, that sounds delicious!
Sarah, I was also thinking of Sheperd's Pie and the kids could help with that maybe. I will see what I can find in my crockpot cookbook and let you know.
As for dishes, my kids have a chores schedule and no one is allowed to be 'plugged in' until their chores are done. These are mandatory chores, ie: no $$ for these! They are part of the family and are expected to pitch in. I am sure your nieces and nephews would love to help you with chores and I would maybe offer a reward for finishing like a video game, board game together or movie. You cannot play with them if your stuck doing dishes right? So,it gives you more time together
Good luck! Shannon