Monday, January 4, 2010

Survival School Part I

Andy officially started his two-year diesel mechanic program today. I officially started Survival School training. I will have all three boys (ages: 3, almost 2, and five months) by myself for four (possibly five) days a week...from dawn til dusk....every week....until summer.

My survival school training will consist of providing three nutritious meals a day (Andy usually took care of two of those...gotta love swing shift); doing a little blogging; keeping up on the housework (goodbye hulu!); fitting in some gym time; finishing the bathroom remodel; and trying to figure out how to live a great life as a part-time single parent.

Today is good so far. Everyone is clothed (having on underwear and diapers counts as clothes, right?), fed, and even did chores this morning. And its only nine o'clock. Oh boy!

A key part of my survival training is providing nutritious meals. The last thing I want to do upon waking is do any sort of cooking and we usually don't have cereal so I had to find an alternative that was at least a little healthier than Burger King. Woman's Day magazine to the rescue (I know, I can't believe I said that either)! I found a great little recipe for instant oatmeal. Andy and I made a huge batch and everyone in the house is addicted.

Make at Home Instant Oatmeal

Ingredients:
18 ounces quick-cooking oats (I used Bob's Red Mill...I got a great price at Cash & Carry)
3 1/4 ounces nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup raisins

Directions:
1. In a large bowl combine oats, milk powder, brown sugar and raisins.
2. Transfer to a large airtight container
3. For breakfast: scoop 1/2 cup of oatmeal mix into a bowl, add 1/2 cup of water, and microwave on high for 1 minute. Enjoy!

We made individual servings for Andy to take to school by putting a 1/2 cup of oatmeal in a pint canning jar. When Andy gets to school, he just adds hot water or adds cool water and puts it in the microwave. So easy! I keep a gallon ziploc bag with oatmeal mix in the house for the boys' breakfast.

You could substitute other dried fruit for the raisins like apples, craisins, misc berries, or even a spice mix. Let me know what you've tried.

Snapbomb