Enjoing the Christmas Season

I don't know about you, but between all the kids activities, Christmas concerts, and holiday get-togethers and parties, I don't have an abundance of energy by the end of the day. Add to that the impending ice storm that has been predicted, sick children, all the gifts I need to wrap, and treats to take to the Christmas dinners. . . and I could easily become stressed, my cortisol levels going through the roof (http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.htm).

I know a lot of you can probably relate to this scenario. But. . . rather than being stressed out, (not that I have ever been before) this year I plan on enjoying the holiday season to it's fullest extent, and not stressing over the little things. I vow to soak up every hug, kiss, and smile from David the kids, savoring the joy and laughter the little ones give so freely. I acknowledge that there are (much) more important things that I want to focus on, so. . . even though potentially stressful moments are just lurking around the corner, I will do my best to be calm, cool, and collected this holiday season!

Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go!

It's so hard to believe that tomorrow is Thanksgiving. We are planning to spend the day with loved ones talking and savoring turkey, cranberry sauce, and all the trimmings. The kids are excited because they'll get to play with their cousins who they don't get to see that often.

Today USA Today online featured a thought-provoking article (that I skimmed) about a teacher from Florida who's written a children's book entitled America's REAL First Thanksgiving. Please click here to read the article: http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2007-11-20-first-thanksgiving_N.htm Long story short, after conducting extensive research about the history of Thanksgiving, author Robyn Gioia challenges many of the steadfast beliefs that I remember being taught when I was a child (i.e. the first Thanksgiving was at Plymouth Rock and the Pilgrims and the Indians had turkey with mashed potatoes and corn from the Indians). It's an interesting article.

But, regardless of the specifics that occurred or didn't occur that 1st Thanksgiving, it's a wonderful time to reflect on our blessings. I'm so thankful to have a wonderful family, including my husband, 4 kids, parents, brother, in-laws, and friends. I'm happy to have a day to relax and spend with loved ones. I hope your Thanksgiving is a great one!

The Case for Family Meals

According to a recent article in Time (http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1200760,00.html), Nancy Gibbs reports, "It turns out that when kids help prepare a meal, they are much more likely to eat it, and it's a useful skill that seems to build self-esteem." Statistically speaking, family meals eaten and/or prepared together protect children and teens from a multitude of pressures including: smoking, drinking alcohol, doing drugs, developing eating disorders, depression, and contemplating suicide. Sociologists have discovered that the more families make time for family meals the more the kids learn about socially acceptable behavior, earn better grades, and delay having sex.
It sounds like a win/win situation for everyone involved, but what if your schedule is so full of activities and appointments that eating together seems impossible? I completely understand how difficult it can be to set aside time to have family meals. Between sports, piano lessons, and homework it is definitely challenging for many families. I think consistency is the key. If you have to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the car every once in a while due to time constraints it's OK. If your evening schedule is jam-packed, perhaps setting the alarm clocks a little bit earlier in the morning would allow you to connect with your family during breakfast. It doesn't have to be extravagant; cereal or oatmeal with fruit, frozen waffles, or peanut butter on toast are quick and easy and give you and your child energy for the day. Simply planning to share several family meals together each week has so many wonderful social and health benefits.
If you have suggestions or stories about family meal time in your house please let me know. I'm always looking for new ideas!

Welcome to Special Meals!

This website was born out of my love for my family and food. As a mom to 4 growing kids and wife to a wonderful man with a hearty appetite, I positively enjoy preparing quick, nutritious, and fun meals for and with my family. Our kids love to cook and bake, so I try including them in meal preparation whenever possible.

I have such fond memories of baking with my dear grandmother, Nanny, whom I adored. She taught me that time spent in the kitchen and love go hand in hand. This site is lovingly dedicated to her.