We thought food might be the "thing." You know, the thing that would cause tension or arguments or our need to bail on this endeavor of cohabitation. After all, we were two different families each with their own well defined eating habits.
Our habits include eating whole foods, not processed - buying only items not individually packaged or ingredients rather than convenience products. Vegetables and fresh bread - whole wheat at that. Pork and chicken when we choose to include meat. Of course our meal concept extends way beyond the food we eat, but also on what we eat. Reusable plates, cups, clothe napkins, wash clothes for cleaning spills, and so on.
My sister's family accustomed to white bread, white bagels, sugary cereals, and meat - red meat - and lots of it. Fresh vegetables and fruit. The top requests of her children - Nutella bagels and mac-n-cheese (Kraft, duh).
There would require compromise and flexibility to be sure. So, the white bread found its way into my pantry as did the sugary cereals. My children were absolutely delighted. And for a few days ate like they had never eaten before - Lucky Charms, Cocoa Crispies, white bagels, crackers, cookies. They were in their glory. To my pleasant surprise, the novelty wore off quickly.
New foods were introduced to both families and we all found new favorites - tofu tacos and pot roast with mash potatoes. A myriad of fruits and vegetables (raw and prepared) were served at every meal with few leftovers to be packaged and stored.
Though the phrase "I don't like that" or "My mom says I don't like that" squeaked out on occasion, I think we can count our menu planning a success!
Once the menu was planned and the meal prepared we settled into our favorite time of day - dinner on the driveway. With eleven mouths and a dining room to serve six, we had to be creative. Card tables and patio tables, table cothes, cushions, gliders, and more. Each night we transformed our driveway into a dining room (which of course became the friendly talk of the neighborhood)! The garage made perfect shelter on the rare event of rain.
I'd forgotten how hot Texas is and how new this experience would be
for my sister's littles. We did so enjoy the outdoor meals, with dinner
segueing into wonderful outdoor play - soccer, chalk, bikes and
scooters. This time treasured as the rare moment for grown ups to talk,
sometimes leisurely, sometimes not.
The dinner table has always conjured up a feeling of love - the place for rest, sustenance, conversation, connection, laughter. A place where the world disappears and all that really matters in our lives is sitting right there with us. I'm thankful we allowed dinner to remain a sacred space, not allowing the things that could divide us to define this time together.
Oh we did honor. every. single. minute.
