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Thursday, July 8, 2010

Life Lessons

Baby girl's 4th of July cake. (I took the picture backwards)


Since becoming a mother, one of my greatest fears has been dying young, and leaving my children to grow up without me. Recently, that fear has changed a little. I'm now afraid to die young, and my children not be able to take care of themselves.

It's always been important that my children clean up, and do chores around the house. I've even taught them how to sort and wash clothes. But it occurred to me recently, they need to know how to cook. This summer, they will learn.

A few months ago, I had a meeting that kept me away from home until about 8 p.m. When I  walked in the door, everyone, including Mr. Husband asked... "What's for dinner?"

I was livid! Instead of them checking the refrigerator, or buying something, they waited for me.

This summer my mission is to teach my 17-year-old son, and my 14, and 13-year-old daughters how to cook some of their favorite meals, along with a few basics.

So far 14, and 13-year-old daughters have prepared their meals, both were chicken dishes, and turned out pretty good. Fourteen year-old daughter is excited, and is planning her next meal. She wants to make shrimp scampi.

On the other hand, 13 year-old daughter would rather eat cereal than cook. When I told her she had to wash and clean the chicken before cooking it, I thought she would pass out!

Let me give you a visual. Not wanting to touch the chicken, she reached into the sink very slowly, jerking her hands back a time or two, before actually finally touching it. It was like she was reaching into a dirty toilet to retrieve a prized possession.

I can't wait to teach them how to cut up a chicken. I'll be sure to video that! I'm going to send it to America's Funniest Home Videos. Is that show still on?

Fourth of July, I got the whole family in on preparing dinner. My son cleaned the grill, and started the charcoal. Mr. Husband watched the meat on the grill. Thirteen and 14-year-old daughters helped wash greens, make the baked beans, shuck the corn, and make the kabobs. Baby girl made and decorated the cake pictured at the top of the page.

Instead of being met with "What's for dinner," one of these days, I'll be able to tell the kids to cook dinner. I'm looking forward to that day!

4 comments:

alessandra said...

The first time I skinned and cut a chicken I was shocked, it seemed like a mini person to me, legs and arms, now it's normal :/

Caffeinated Weka said...

Eventually, they will all be able to take turns and you can come home and ask "what's for dinner?"!

Chaotically Calm said...

Hola LaTonya,

I'm with your 13 year old I rather eat cereal than cook a full mean. That doesn't mean however, that I can't cook. As it turns out I am actually pretty good at cooking I just don't enjoy it.

I do like baking holiday cookies though!

Side note I think it's a great idea that you're teaching all of them including your son.

MOMSWEB said...

I remember the "What's for dinner" question one night when I walked into the house after 8 p.m. Girrrrl...I already wasn't feeling well, so I went to my bedroom for the rest of the evening. My only problem with them waiting for me is that they KNOW how to cook! Excuse me? Needless to say, they cooked something without me. Sometimes a family will USE and ABUSE the mother just because we let them. Not in THIS house!

Have fun with cooking classes!

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