Dinner Helper

I don't know what has happened to me. Perhaps it was the mice scandal that kicked my booty into a cleaning, cooking and all things purged and organized mode. They say it takes 2 or 3 weeks to form a new habit, right? Well, Lord let me tell you, it's a miracle to my little mommy soul. I wake up every morning to a sparkling kitchen that I cleaned the night before and a living room that is tidy and clean! Whatever it is, it's fabulous! I'm nesting hardcore and just able to keep my little home more spick and span, with way less mental effort. With that re-found housewife awareness, the love of meal planning and "from scratch" cooking has resurfaced. Who knows how long it will last, hopefully it will carry through the birth of baby boy #2. While I'm at my pinnacle of womanly confidence (I have to giggle at myself right now) I am milking it for all it's worth.

I'm finding that being a mom of a toddler and pregnant, requires more intentional effort for me to do things outside of the ordinary and mundane. Most of you are probably like, "duh." But, for me it's finally resonated in my soul. Another 6 months will zoom past me and carry me away with it, unless I purpose otherwise.

Anyways...the purpose of this blog post wasn't for me to share my heart thoughts on coming out of the little shadow of the everyday tired syndrome that shades many of us tired mommies. It was to share a snippet of a precious memory that happened this week. I decide to make another one of The Pioneer Woman's yummy recipes, "Cajun Chicken Pasta" for my brood of boys. I had a little helper and I quickly grabbed my camera to freeze time for my future self. Kael LOOOOOOOVES helping me cook and bake. It's precious and the biggest joy explosion to my heart.

Take that right there, "Kael loves to help me cook." Would it be faster and probably less stressful to just keep him out from under foot and prepare meals and treats more quickly? Heck yes. But, taking the time and allowing him to stir that bowl of egg stuff for the quiche, or dump that cup of diced peppers into the pasta, that is holding onto my moments and enjoying him. It's the sugar of my soul. It makes life all that more fabulous and enjoyable for both of us. Are there days and meals where he wants to help and I just don't have the energy or bandwidth to do the whole shebang? Of course. But intentionally stopping my 'busy' flow and enjoying my son is the most precious treasure I have and I'm learning to really have a lifestyle of cherishing his moments.

As far as dinner, oh my gosh, SO DANG GOOD! I added fresh corn corn on the cob (a bit in the pasta and on the side)  seasoned and slightly blacked to the pasta! It was YUUUUUUMMY! You should try it! You can click HERE for the recipe. :)

Hope you have a lovely weekend filled with amazing simple moments!

Jess