Now that January is over, I wanted to reflect on our family dinner project. In some ways, it was easier than I thought it would be to get together for a meal every day. And it was usually dinner. I think there was only one day in the month when we could not make dinner work, and we had lunch together insetad.
But it wasn't always easy. The primary challenge was that we ended up eating later than I would have liked. Chloe and Oscar definitely begin to unravel for each minute that we push dinner past 6 or so. But Gabe doesn't get home till late a couple of nights, and Olivia has swim team practice from 5 to 6:30 twice a week which means that we don't eat till past 7. My goal has been to develop some healthy appetizers or heartier snacks that would carry Chloe and Oscar to a later dinner, but I haven't done it yet. Instead, when they wandered into the kitchen when I was preparing dinner, I gave them a nibble of something to tide them over. It was a bit haphazard but averted meltdowns most nights.
On a less practical level, I have loved our time together each day. I can get so caught up in getting through my To Do list that I don't pause. This project forced me to stop and soak in all that lovely family time. It's all passing so quickly, this time we have together, and I want to look back with as few regrets as possible. I have many shortcomings as a person and as a mother, but I hope that they will be balanced out by the memories that each of us will have of happy times together. And of some damn good food.
And if you're wondering about the pictures above, we have now expanded our family to include one very handsome boy, a golden retriever named Buddy. He is 2 1/2 years old, and incredibly gentle and sweet. We got him through Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training, an organization that does fantastic work rescuing and fostering golden retrievers until they find permanent homes. Buddy is the first dog I have ever had and, after a week with him, I get it. He is great company and if he's not sitting on my feet while I'm typing away, he is close by. Knowing we have a dog at home is an incentive to get home and stay there, too.
We are going to continue our dinner project into February. How about you? Are you all having family meals together? I'd love to hear how it is going.
From the archives, you may want to check: Black Bean and Monterey Jack Casserole and Wee Hand Made Valentine's Day Cards.
Congratulations on joining Buddy's family! :) I've never known life without a dog ... world's best companion. A dog will teach your children so much. Can't wait to meet him.
Posted by: Beth | February 05, 2010 at 09:50 AM
Loving this post. And how great that you guys took Buddy in to your lives and home. That first photo is just beautiful. The cake looks amazing. I'm drooling.
Posted by: Lynne Oakes | February 05, 2010 at 10:29 AM
Have you considered making Buddy's food, too? Not being sarcastic -- many health benefits to a raw food/homemade diet for cats and dogs. All our creatures have been on it forever; two of our cats are 13 but are totally healthy and energetic as kittens. Let me know if you want recipes or more info. Big smooch to Buddy!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 05, 2010 at 11:13 AM
Such a pretty dog! You are going to have to get him a raincoat and boots for your rainy family walks... He's going to love your weather inhibitions.
Our family dinner update is good. We donated our dining room furniture to A Wider Circle and changed to a round table and upholstered chairs. We are happier and healthier and around the table more cheerfully.
I really enjoy your slice of life narratives...and picked up a bar of Toblerone waiting in the considerable line at Trader Joes. Plan to make the mousse for my Valentine. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: DeeDee | February 05, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Thanks, all. We are continuing to adjust to Buddy and him to us. We have taken him on many snowy walks, and his favorite thing to do is roll around in the snow and burrow his nose into it. A raincoat may be a good idea. Stephanie, if you have recipes I'd be very interested to see what they are.
Posted by: Margy | February 09, 2010 at 12:12 PM
such a cute dog!!! i can vouch for how well behaved dog he is, and beautiful of course. glad he and all of you are all enjoying the snow.
Posted by: laura | February 09, 2010 at 03:48 PM
I love the pictures of Buddy! I can't wait to meet him in person - he looks like a bundle of love.
Posted by: Anita | February 16, 2010 at 12:00 PM