A Secret to Success as a Working Mom: Turn Burn Out Into Bliss and Embrace Joy

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Last weekend my youngest was committed to going to the "Water Steps" a man-made water fall in Pittsburgh by the rivers. (Fun Fact: Three rivers converge in Pittsburgh--The Ohio River, The Monongahela River, and the Allegheny River.)  He kept asking. I knew he was serious when he said, "If you won't take me, I'll ask  daddy!" Given that it was highly unlikely that would happen on an unscheduled day, I relented. So, we went. It wasn’t planned in the way most things in my life are. No calendar block. No checklist. No “productive” purpose attached. And, so in some respects it was uncomfortable. And yet, it seemed necessary. It was the idea of my 8-year-old—offered with the kind of urgency only children possess when something is profoundly important to them.
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Working Mom Reflections: Sunday Dinner

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Sunday Dinner
"The tradition of the Sunday feast accomplishes more than just feeding us. It nurtures us." -Chef John Besh

As a working mom, it is as if life runs at the speed of light. It seems like there is always something to do, something/someone to wash, and something to fold. With all of those demands, it often seems easier to allow traditions like large family dinners to fall by the wayside because they are too much work.

They are a lot of work, but I encourage you to host them anyway.  


Whenever I host a large family meal it reminds me of being a kid. My maternal grandmother was an excellent cook and hosted large family dinners nearly every Sunday. Her generosity of spirit and great food made those events memorable. Also, having lots of family around became something I enjoyed. I want my my children to have those sorts of memories. So, I work to create them.

Today, we were having a belated Mothers Day Celebration since last Sunday we were in Disney world basking in the sunshine and living the high life at the Yacht and Beach Club! (To read a little about that trip, click here.)

Beautiful Flowers made our table beautiful

To be fair, today's dinner was supposed to be a late lunch that started at 3:00 PM. However, because I am me and had been watching the Food Network getting ideas, I severely underestimated the preparation time. So, I served cheese grapes and wine and our late lunch became an early dinner.

Menu: Fortunately, the food turned out great! The menu included, grilled chicken, corn-on-the-cob, beans and rice, boiled shrimp, ciabatta bread dipped in basil infused olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a spicy mango/cucumber salad. We had brownie bites for dessert, compliments of my friend Tame. 

It took hours to prepare. However, there are few things more satisfying that making food for people you love to enjoy. And the kids loved being spoiled by their grandmother, aunt and uncles!        
Location: Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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