I’ve been trying to post blogs with somewhat of a topic of ‘Heal Cook Love’ and in that order. This one really falls into all of the above.
When the stars align, my son doesn’t work and I’m in town – my son and I get to have Football Sunday. It’s truly become one of my favorite things this last year. We watch Red Zone pretty much all day, chat and I make all sorts of yummy food throughout the day. This last Sunday was extra special to my Mama Heart. I absolutely loved our conversation throughout the day – we truly talked about EVERYTHING under the sun. And I mean everything. My biggest take away was that he expressed he is the happiest he’s ever been. Boom – my heart instantly exploded. That’s all I ever want for my children…for them to find and savor their own happiness. Not MY definition of what I think might make them happy, but their very own form of happiness. Of course, you pray they are safe, find the career they align with, a home, etc., but above all, just happiness. It’s so important to know what that feels like. This boy sure has a special place in my heart!
I made some yummy food throughout the day. I don’t typically make the same things for each of us. I typically make us a little menu for the day and cook on/off all day – I love it! For breakfast, I made him some French Toast and his favorite protein muffins. Do you ever make these? I use butterscotch chips as my ‘stir in’.
I made him a steak sandwich (thank you leftovers) and made myself this tasty little protein bowl for lunch. Cottage cheese, rotisserie chicken, apples and Dill Pickle Dip Mix (I use this stuff all the time – SO good!). This was really flavorful, something great to prep for weekday lunches. You can get your own pickle dip mix HERE.
Pizza was for dinner. We love doing pizza at home…so does my wallet! Costco and Sam’s have these packs, (Boboli or other brands), they are a great price and they come with the pizza sauce. I sold one when I was there – ha! He’s a pepperoni guy and I love a good veggie or Canadian bacon and pineapple. Who doesn’t love pizza!
Truly such an awesome day and what a cool kid. Not that I didn’t already know what a great guy he is, but don’t you have moments with your children (in all phases of their life) when you just fall in love with them all over again? I can’t quite find the right words to explain it – it’s like the definition of pure joy. I’ve really tried to just say YES in these later years…wish I would have learned this sooner. The work will always be there, you can call people back and the laundry isn’t going anywhere. If your kids want you to go on a walk, go play a game with you, play a video game, watch a movie…you get the idea – DO IT! I promise you won’t regret it. Collect those moments!
It’s moments like last Sunday when you truly gain a deeper understanding of happiness and gratitude. I brought this amazing human into this world and I couldn’t be more proud. It’s an overwhelming emotional feeling. For all those times you’ve wanted to wring your kids’ neck (don’t go crazy, I’ve never strangled my kids), know that having adult conversations with your adult children is so dang awesome! Listen to them, you might learn something. It’s been a wild year of change and adjustment, but most of all PEACE. You can’t put a price tag on that!
As always, if you haven’t picked or bought yourself flowers this week – permission to treat yourself to some flowers. Thanks for being here in this space with me. Oh, and don’t judge…but GO CLEVELAND BROWNS!
