Blissfully Domestic

This week has been about cooking.  In the process of becoming a stay-at-home mom, I've had to learn new things, stretch unused muscles, make my brain work in ways previously unthought of.  So, this week I've been trying to learn how to cook.  More, that is.  Beyond the "dial the pizza place at the last minute" dinners, and the spaghettis and mac-n-cheese's.  I'm trying to learn how to really cook.

I've been inspired by a lot of sources:

1.  The Cheapest Family in America (self-proclaimed).  They have a book out and were interviewed on NBC's The Today Show.  I was inspired by how organized the mom is when it comes to grocery shopping.  She plans out EVERY meal for a whole month, planning around coupons and specials.  She can switch the meals she's cooking which days, but she always cooks those meals.  They are a family of five and their entire grocery bill - staples and all - is around $400/month.  I should be so lucky.  http://www.americascheapestfamily.com/

2.  BlissfullyDomestic.com  I haven't read it as much as I'd like (yet), but the name itself inspires me.  I truly feel blissful that I get to spend time on being domestic.  It feels like I'm giving my family really good gifts every day.  A peaceful home that is not constantly chaotic or on the brink of everything that needs to get done feels like an excellent starting point to help my husband and children face what they need to out there in the world. 

3.  Blogs.  There's http://farmama.typepad.com/ and http://womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/ and http://kendalprivette.blogspot.com/ and http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com/  I read and feel inspired to be a better mom.  Thanks ladies!

Today, our second full day of cool, fall weather, I'm making crock-pot chili.  With ingredients I bought for my two-week meal plan (I decided to start with planning out two weeks instead of one month.  Besides, my refrigerator isn't that big!).  It's simmering right now and smells delicious.  I've never made chili before.  This is my second first this week (the first was brisket - see the "Juicy Meat" blog entry).  I'm having a blast!  I love making things.  I love feeling like I'm actually striving to be a Proverbs 31 wife and mother.  This is so much fun.

Just wanted to share the joy I'm feeling, especially since my last blog entry was such a downer.  Obviously, I'm doing better.  Fighting through the madness....