Spring Break is finally here! The kids are out of school and Doug wrapped his television pilot last week! That means everyone is home without the pressures of school and work. My family loves to have a good time and and dig into downtime on vacations. I feel like Doug and I are in the business of making memories for our family. The reality is that we only have a few short years left before the kids go off on their own.
When Jake started high school last fall I heard the clock on my parenting ticking away. I’ve noticed that as he matures, the way he needs me has changed. It’s not that he needs me less, he needs me differently. He is much more independent and is, well, growing up. It’s hard to let go of my precious boy but it’s important that he try new things, make mistakes, and know that I’m here for the really big stuff.
A parenting expert whom I admire summed it up this way: When kids are young, parents are the single most important influence in a child’s life. Next, comes teachers, followed by friends. As they become teenagers, that order flips. Friends become their most important advisors, then teachers, and then in last place, parents. He explained very simply that I am about to be fired as CEO and President of a company I founded. But, if I did my job right, I will be brought back in later by Jake as a consultant. I loved that explanation because it’s so totally true.
As we move into Spring Break, I have a great week of seriously delicious meals for you. Check out my Butternut Squash Soup that pairs with a Roasted Chicken, a fabulous Mediterranean Chicken Salad, my favorite Beef with Snow Peas Stir Fry, and a killer Pizza loaded with Caramelized Mushrooms! What a week of amazing food coming your way!
Enjoy!
-xo
Monday
This simple Butternut Squash Soup is a spoonful of heaven! The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs beautifully with hits of garlic, ginger, and pepper. If you want a heartier meal, add my Roast Chicken for a lovely meal.
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Ree Drummond gifted us all with this perfect Beef with Snow Peas Stir Fry. This is one of my all time favorite dinners and is always a huge hit with my kids. Serve with white rice and my easy to make homemade Potstickers.
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Cafe Delites has the most insanely addictive Mediterranean Chicken Salad that has become a family favorite! My kids don’t always eat salad but they devour this marinated chicken! While the adults enjoy this in salad form, I offer this meal to the kids with the chicken and Roasted Potatoes. Good luck saving leftovers for lunch. Everyone wants seconds on this chicken! Heads up: the chicken needs to marinate so plan for that in your day.
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This Caramelized Mushroom Pizza from What’s Gaby Cooking is slice after slice of deliciousness. I don’t think I’ve ever met a caramelized vegetable that I didn’t fall madly in love with! My family is crazy about mushrooms and putting them on pizza is the perfect delivery system for my kids! This is a beautiful dinner served with a big green salad.
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