I think it`s time for another What I Do Right post. I wrote one a long, long time ago. (What I Do Right) I wrote it because I was feeling like I often focused on all the things I did wrong. I wanted to think about something that I do that really works for us.
Background Information
For the past few weeks we`ve been doing something that works during lunch. We eat leftovers for lunch. Period. The only exception to leftovers is when there are no leftovers. When that happens I do a quick pantry challenge. Usually doesn`t turn out too bad either. Because we eat leftovers for lunch sometimes there is not enough of everything to go around. Sure, there may be plenty of broccoli for everyone, but there is never enough garlic bread, lasagna, hotdogs, cake, turkey breast, fruit saladyou get the idea. There isnt always enough of the yummy stuff. I pondered this for some time. I wanted to plan better for lunches and have things other than leftovers.
I wanted to get up early in the morning and make breakfast and lunch for the day. I dreamed about crock pot lunches. I wanted to make lists and charts and rules to ensure the proper nutritional balance for each child based on age and activity level.
HA!
What I Do Right For Our Lunches
Here`s what I finally settled on. So simple and it works and it is what I do right for us, for now. (But those big plans are still floating around in my head, LOL.)
Every day for lunch I:
1. Take everything out of the refrigerator, put it out on the counter and open it up for all to see.
2. Add anything from the freezer or pantry that I think needs to be used up or seems like it would round out the offerings.
3. Have one of the kids make up name slips for each child. Four kids 4 slips of paper with their names on them. (My granchildren are temporary living with me now).
4. Have a drawing. First name drawn gets to go first for lunch. They can eat ALL of the leftover Chicken Paprikash if they so desire and its all good.
5. Continue to draw names until everyone has chosen their food. (Granny simply eats last.)
This works because each child has a fair chance and so far names have been drawn pretty evenly. There have been no hard feelings either. I wasnt sure how this would go, but it works so well for us.
Why do I go last? Because I don`t care and I can`t eat half the stuff they are eating anyway. I am gluten and dairy free AND diabetic. Hows that for a combination?
My kids do want to put me in the drawings because they are sweet, but I have to decline. I usually end up with my own strange food that I didn`t even put out for them.
Do you have any wonderfully simple but totally workable solutions that you`d like to share? I`d love to hear them!