Cam has left for two months of job training across the country and we’re feeling pretty blue. I’ve been feeling a bit like I’m on auto pilot in the Mama department, like I’m there for my kids but a bit sad and distant too. Now that a few days have past, I’m feeling more like myself. My silly and loving kids have been helping a lot in that regard. I’m so lucky!
I thought it was going to be hard to cook while Cam was gone but I’ve come to the realisation that I’m not cooking for one anymore when he’s not here, as was the case when my kids were smaller. Lily and Leif eat very healthy portions these days and it’s actually easier cooking for three instead of four. For one thing, there are more leftovers for lunch the next day.
I often have comments and emails asking that I resume posting my weekly meal plans and yet I haven’t been making the time to post them. I’m going to try and make a better effort! (eek, I think I said this once already!) This is a good week to get back into it. We were feeling quite tight financially last month and while we enjoyed all the meals we ate, I bet it was a tad uninspiring to outsiders. It involved a lot of potatoes and simple veg.
This week I’m making:
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Focaccia Bread
- Falafel and Pita
- Broccoli and Caramelized Onion Vegan Quiche
- Chicken Tikka Masala with Naan Bread (for the potluck night with friends)
- Vegan Lasagne with homemade beet pasta (recipe soon!)
I’m also planning to make my weekly (although only Cam has been making it since we moved to this house. I hate my stove but I’m trying to get over it- blog post soon about this) Whole Wheat Bread , Raspberry Oatmeal Scones and Chocolate Chocolate Zucchini Muffins .
I just wanted to share a thank you to all my friends who have commented, emailed or phoned with kind support. It’s meant a great deal to me. xx
I’ve never been a fan of falafels. I always feel yucky after them…you know the saying…. :)
Still, I think Isaac would love them. Going to try those this weekend.
Been thinking lots of you and the kids. Glad you are feeling more like yourself and I’m looking forward to chatting soon. xoxo
Not that it’s any consolation, but I get to see Fabi on February 1st after being apart for 5 months…
All I can say is that coming home to a loving, “I still remember you”, email/text message from your partner makes it worth it.
ps. I really like your self portraits :)
Debbie- I hope Isaac loves them as much as my kids do! I’m laughing, remembering my friend telling me that she would need Beano before bean meals. She loved beans too much to not eat them often. Maybe you need some Beano (not knowing of course what’s in that product!).
Chloe- Long distance relationships aren’t easy, are they? There are some good things about distance with a partner though, like not having to clean up a sticky peanut butter and jam breakfast mess every single morning! Ha! I love the sweetness that can come from being away from a loved one too. Your email example makes my heart melt.
I can ‘t even imagine having E away for two months…Big Hugs to you Keep up with the meal plans, they are inspiring!
Wow I feel stressed when my husband has to work overtime, what tough thing! I hope you continue to find your balance.
Your meals sound fantastic, I have been in a bit of a cooking rut, am going to try your Tikka Masala recipe.
Also piping up to say I’m thinking of you and sending you mama-strength!
Printed out two of your recipes to modify and make soon… I’m sensitive to gluten and dairy and eggs and coconut and and and and…
Take care, and thanks for sharing the recipes!!
Best,
Stacy
So glad to see you’re working with humour and lightness…they can work wonders for the spirit! And glad to see you’re outdoors too, I find the shift from inside to outside helps enormously with lonliness. Suddenly becoming aware of the air on my face, breathing it in filling my lungs and then things start to fall into place for change…your food looks yummy. Did I tell you we made your chocolate birfday cake for Matthew?? It was so good! In my long-overdue blog post about his birthday, I’ll be sure to mention it. :-)
I am just now getting over that feeling of cooking for one when Wes is away. The kids do eat so much more now… I must admit to a few popcorn & fruit dinners thought :)
Happy to see the meal plans again…
Thinking of you!
Thanks so very much!
Erin, you are so right that being outside helps so much. It’s been clear and crisp here, which I really love and it snowed last night too! The great weather makes being outside easy.
I love that birfday cake! https://annie.paxye.com/?p=2371
Dawn- I’ve never done popcorn and fruit for supper! My kids would love that! Our I don’t want to make supper suppers are always breakfast for supper! (See how much supper there is in that? hee hee) Pancakes, eggs and hashbrowns, eggs and toast….
Annie, I knew the time must be coming soon that Cam would be leaving, I’ll be thinking of you guys and sending mama hugs your way. And if you feel like a change of scenery (though a winter road trip with kids on your own might not be very relaxing!) you could come spend some days over here- we would do our best to cheer you all up with some farm fun!
and there have been a few popcorn supper days around here… and eggs and toast… and waffles…
Thanks, T. I would love love love to come out there. I’m giving it some serious thought although I think we need a tad less snow first- at least on my end. I could always take the train…