Day in and day out, we desire to instill character in our children. Day in and day out, it’s a challenge that is worth it.
I reflected on my time in the kitchen this past week, and realized that the hidden life lessons found together cooking are often those that just happen – unintentional, unprompted, unplanned, and unrehearsed. We started baking our muffins, but then ended with my eldest daughter whipping up some of her yummy cheesy noodles for lunch. They were both a hit, but it really wasn’t about learning to cook in the kitchen, it was about what happened in between all those moments captured in the pictures.
- We learned that too often sharing doesn’t come naturally, but when we practice it, joy flourishes.
- We learned that attitudes are a choice. We all have that choice…but what we decide to focus on is our own.
- We learned that often, paying attention to the small details in life are necessary to avoid disaster, but sometimes, it’s all about flexibility. It’s knowing when to implement each effectively where the lesson is learned.
- We learned that instant gratification isn’t long lasting, but practicing patience while waiting for that special moment to come is where true character is honed.
The hidden life lessons that come from spending time in the kitchen is priceless. The work is worth the hidden rewards.
(I have to continually remind myself of my own cooking life lessons. Yes, even when it’s just me, all by myself, letting the noodles overflow for the tenth time. :))
Have you learned any life lessons in the kitchen lately?
Welcome to Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods!
Simple Rules for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods – If you’re joining in with a recipe link, two simple requests. As always, Please link directly to your recipe post and not your blog URL, so that everyone can find the recipe months from now.
Also, please link back here from your post, so that everyone can join in the fun – it’s just common courtesy of blog carnivals.
Don’t forget to support your fellow bloggers by checking out some of their amazing recipes…be inspired by others.
Um, not sure where the linky is this week…
Beautiful Calling’s DIY Pickled Beets
http://www.beautifulcalling.ca/2010/08/pickled-beets.html
(And I love your photo collages…if you don’t mind sharing, what software do you use?)
(The linky came up as soon as I refreshed LOL)
Yesterday I decided to give the kids a day off school- spur of the moment. It was a great decision that runs counter to my schedule crazy personality.
I need to go with my gut more often when it comes to my kids. I would have less “what ifs” and more memories!
Toni
Beautiful post Jen. I think sometimes I, being a perfectionist, learn more when I cook with my girls then they do……. when I bake/cook with them, I have to remind myself to be patient, let them learn, let them do it “their way”.
The hidden life lessons that come from spending time in the kitchen is priceless…you couldn’t be more right!
My husband and I discovered the joy of cooking together, and it is now one of our favorite things to do. I don’t know what it is, but preparing a meal together is a very bonding experience. You get to talk about your day, spend precious time with one another, and then eat the fruits of your labor. What a blessing : ) God is SO good!
Hope you are having a blessed week so far, friend.
Lots of love,
Laura
The lessons and the memories are priceless!
Lessons in the kitchen? How about courage and creativity! I want my children to have courage to try new things and be creative in the kitchen! Maybe I should add – being careful. After 2 hard afternoons of canning I took a short cut and ended up with a burn on my leg from boiling water. 🙁 You’re never too old for a lesson!
Excellent post! I think that any time spent one on one with your children is an opportunity to teach and to learn, the kitchen is certainly no exception. The kitchen they can learn math, science, problem solving, creativity, plus just being reminded of all the gifts of food that God gave us. I never let an opportunity pass where I can’t teach and remind about God. Thanks!
I don’t know who is learning more in the kitchen as my kids are beginning to want to help. My kids are learning how to cook and I am learning to be more patient. That is a huge life lesson for any parent and it is one that I need a lot of help with.
Thanks for thc carnival.
Great post! I have learned to stand back and let my children learn from their mistakes and not try to step in. So easy for me to try and do that with cooking. 🙂
I really needed to read this this morning. I have a busy day in the kitchen planned (by myself) and I can choose to be joyful about it. Choose to be thankful I get to be at home cooking instead of going to a job that I don’t want to go to!
I needed a little attitude adjustment and this did it!
Thanks!
What a lovely, lovely post Jen – Those lessons are so very true and important. Thanks for sharing it, and also for hosting Tasty Tuesday.
Lovely pictures. I think one lesson I’ve learned in the kitchen is balance. A little pinch of salt in the cookie dough adds balance. I little drop of honey in the vinaigrette balances the vinegar. Lots of little touches that balance out the flavors.
So it is in life a small kind gesture towards someone who has experienced rudeness can help add balance. A smile can add balance to a sad moment. And on and on.
Thanks for another great party…so many yummy things to check out…”chocolate gravy” isn’t that hot fudge? Better check it out!
Jen, you have single-handedly revitalized my menu planning! (For that, my husband especially thanks you.) Thanks for Tasty Tuesday—and for your fantastic blog! What a resource!
That’s so true. It’s so much about the impromtu moments. Thank you for sharing.
Life lessons in the kitchen: Proverbs 31 talks about a wise woman looking over the affairs of her household, and sometimes I wonder if that includes the cookies that just burnt in the oven ;-). So I’m learning to stay alert, and do the job well (not under done or over done!). And be resourceful (like saving overdone cookies for a graham cracker crumbs substitute? Haven’t tested that theory out yet though.)
Nice post! I have learned that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be good! We have eaten several delicious disasters. : )
Great lessons and great pics!
Hi Jen! What a lovely site you have. I just found you because a few ladies who link to my two for tuesday recipe blog hop on tuesdays link to you as well, so I thought I would check you out! I am now following you on twitter, facebook and grabbed your rss feed. My first recipe link up is a peach and watermelon salad with feta that is simple and sooo sweet and tangy good. Enjoy and I look forward to checking out all your great linked up bloggers! 🙂 Alex@amoderatelife
Adding my “Make Your Own: Flavor Extracts” post. Details how to make your own vanilla, mint, and other extracts in time for upcoming holiday baking.
🙂 First time here! WOW!!! Excited to see so many tasty looking recipes!