Rubbed the oil over my dry hands. And looked at my cleaned kitchen.
I've cleaned it at least 4 times today.
I don't like to. I'd really rather be doing something else.
But a lot happens in my kitchen.
Food. School. Food. Crafts.
The kitchen is the hub of our home. And as such, it gets a workout. And when I don't keep up with the dishes and floors and whatever else is happening, a little bit of stress and decay creep in. And they begin to take our joy.
I cook everything from scratch. Just about. Not because I've ever aspired to be an amazing kitchen diva (although I'd settle for a baking diva). But because my son has a bunch of severe food allergies. And when your kid has them, you can't buy pre-made food. I don't really like cooking meals. But I do it. Every day.
And I make all our snacks. And breakfast cereal. And so forth. It's monotonous. It's hard. I stay home a lot because our lives revolve around my cooking schedule.
I've learned a lot about food. And cooking.
I would have never chosen this for my son or our family. It's really hard sometimes.
But the monotony has brought freedom into our lives.
I'm learning how to be content at home. Caring for my family.
We do less, and enjoy each other more.
And there are little joys like helping other families as they learn to negotiate life with food allergies.
I've always heard that discipline brings freedom. And I'm learning that it's hard to be disciplined. But I love the freedom of tasks completed and not waiting; of food ready to nourish; of a family whole and healthy and strong because of the long road of sameness; I could call it monotony.
But I think I'll own it and name it freedom.
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| Sunbutter turkey wraps |
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| GF, Egg free, dairy free, nut free cinnamon rolls! |
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| Taught my husband how to make gravy... |
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| School! |
