Dinner Rules

It's true, dinner does rule, especially when you're hungry, but Yikes! Is it only me, or do dinner preparations somehow bring out the worst in the under-6 set?

My 1-year-old hates it when I make dinner. I don't know why. But let's just say that as soon as I stand in front of the island and start chopping, she squeezes between the island and my legs and tries to shove me. Screaming at the top of her lungs, too, of course.

By the time dinner's on the table, I'm usually a frustrated mess, so watch out if you happen to say anything bad about what we're eating!

I told you I need grace... (and no, that super skinny chick in the photo isn't me...thank you free clip art)

New tactic: I'm trying to make dinner during afternoon naps as much as possible. If it's a crockpot recipe or anything that fits in a casserole dish, I'm all set. I can throw it all in early in the day and then just pop it in the oven around 5:00, no worries. Other things can be harder, but at the least I can get all the prep work done beforehand.

Random tip: When preparing salad ahead of time, place a damp paper towel over the top of it and press down, then refrigerate. This keeps your salad fresh and crisp and even works overnight for leftovers.

Well, you're right, it is just one more thing to squeeze into naptime, but it's making my world a little more graceful right now.