Afternoon Frenzy!

One of our daughters started first grade this year. I have to say... this transition has been miserable most afternoons. I hear phrases like, "I hate you" and "You're not my mommy anymore" all too frequently. I understand the emotional toll school has taken on her this year, but COME ON! I am really fed up with this part and being the patient parent, that reflects back to her saying, "I hear you. You sound really frustrated" or "Wow, you're angry this afternoon," is becoming harder each day. I miss our children when they are away, and having our six year old gone from home from 7:10 AM (when we leave in the morning) until 3:40 PM (when we make it home most days) sucks! OK?! It really sucks!!!

So all that to say, Monday afternoon I goofed and scheduled dentists appointments for the girls and did NOT plan dinner. We arrived home after 5 PM and all three of us were so hungry (even with snacks in the car) and I was set in MY way. We are going to eat supper and no more snacks until then. It's almost ready! I didn't want them to fill up on anymore snacks. Alas, this idea was not the best, as we all ended up lashing out at one another in our respective ways. It was a disaster, however even more amazing to see the simple transformation when everyone took one bite of our roasted broccoli and red beans and quinoa! Mmmmm.

 Although it took a little time, it was so simple. What threw us off, really, was the rice that I didn't add enough water too. Luckily, I had a stash of prepared quinoa in the refrigerator.

Roasted Broccoli
6 stalks of Broccoli (which we are eating conventional, as broccoli is one they say has less pesticides - saves a bundle at the grocery)
Coconut oil - about 2 tablespoons
2 Fresh Garlic Cloves - chopped
Himalayan Sea Salt (or a coarse salt of your liking) - about 2 teaspoons

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Trim off any dried out end of broccoli stalks. Chop broccoli so it has a little stem. Lay flat on a pan covered in parchment paper or foil. Using a basting brush, lightly coat the broccoli with coconut oil. Chop garlic in to fine pieces and sprinkle on the coated broccoli. Sprinkle salt (and pepper, if desired) and lightly toss around. Bake for about 12-17 minutes, depending on desired texture. We like ours with a little crunch to it. We left ours in the oven with the oven off for a few more minutes and parts turned brown, however it was still amazing. We ate all of it between the four of us.

Prepare rice as instructed... make sure to use enough water :) All was well. The rice will come in handy for another meal.

As far as my realizations about the fiasco of Monday night: I discovered how important it is for me to be aware of our hunger and how tired we all are. After-school things do not work for us right now, and I accept that. Meal prepping is a key, especially if we will not be home until later.

Blessing!