Accountability.

I've alluded to it several times, but I'm just going to come out and say it.  

About a year & a 1/2 ago, I started struggling in my role as a "homemaker."  As I've said before, I have not once regretted my decision to stay at home with my children.  This part not only feels right, & has for the last 5 years.  But for me, for now, it is right.  

As for the "stay-at-home mom" part of the equation, I was fully content.  The problem was with the rest of the *unwritten responsibilities of the role.  If I decide to do something, I want to do it well.  So, 5 yrs. ago, I fully immersed myself into the role... cooking, baking, volunteering, "accounting" (inc. bill-paying, & tight-budgeting), cleaning, trying to make friends with other "soccer/softball/scout/pta moms" (to no huge avail), party-planning, scheduling, organizing, shopping, disciplining, managing homework/chores/family communications/photos...

One of my "hot buttons" is this question:  "Don't you get bored staying at home??  I could never do it."  I'll hold back on my rant of all that this question implies, but really- the answer is NO.  I really don't get bored... or ever- EVER run out of things to do.  My brain is always filled with things to do, places to go, recipes to try, projects to begin.  So, as much as I thought I would (back when I was a busy, "important," working gal), I never go stir-crazy.  

But- long story short- I sort of got lost in the process.  Squeezed myself right outta the equation.  I felt a big hole inside that needed to be filled... I felt disconnected, uninspired, frustrated, exhausted, and simply- empty.  I made a decision to make some big (and small) changes... who I associated (or didn't) with, how I spent my time- or chose not to spend my time... took some classes, learned the art of "simple cooking," got a new computer (& camera!), started a blog- and have spent the past year & a 1/2 taking care of not only my family- but of myself.
                         
Well, in an effort to put myself back into the equation, I've let a few responsibilities slip.  Responsibilities that are important... not because I have to accomplish them, but because I want to.  

1.  Cleaning.  Really, I'm not a slob- or lazy.  In an effort to not spend every waking hour cleaning, I've become a master picker-upper.  I've remained in "general maintenance" mode, & often get behind on deep cleaning.
2. Breakfast/Dinner.  I've fallen into pure laziness when it comes to feeding my kids breakfast.  Convenience has taken priority, and it needs to change.  As for dinner... I'm all over the board.  No planning, start too late in the day, sacrifice nutrition for "meals that the kids will actually eat"... This is an element of staying home that I truly value, and I'm determined to fix. it.
3. After-school snacks.  My kids look forward to this seemingly minor activity.  They used to light up when I put a little more focus on this part of the day- on making it a little special.  Now, their immediate "what are we having for a snack???" questions get on my nerves.  They're only allowed a short window of time before diving into homework... & cleaning their rooms.  If they're stomachs are full- their hearts are a little more content, their tired/grumpy 'after-school attitudes' are diminished, & they have a bit more energy to sustain them through all of that homework. 

 Along with others, these are areas that I've let go- a little too far for my liking- and I want to commit to changing.  

...which [finally] brings us to this week's tried & true recipe- the simplest, most basic recipe yet.  But when it comes to #3- my lowest-energy time of day- I need simple & basic... & just due to the fact that it's not an orange- or crackers- my kids consider it "special" :).

 {today's after-school snack}

pita pizza

* adapted from the little big book for moms, a vintage-style book I've had ever since I was pregnant with Jacob... a treasure box of inspiration, rhymes, songs, stories, games, & recipes for mothers to share with their children.

makes two small pizzas
 

1 whole wheat pita round

tomato sauce

broccoli (little pieces)

diced leftover chicken

cheddar cheese, grated

Split pita into two circles.

Spread with tomato sauce.  Sprinkle a little cheese.  Add chicken, then a little bit more cheese.  Add broccoli, and top with a little more cheese.

Put on a cookie sheet and broil until cheese melts.

{and... she liked it!!  he did too :)}