Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Outsourcing

Ladies, I have accidentally stumbled upon the greatest, most clever plan, (though slightly bordering on evil genius) but sure to change mankind forever more. It happened with very little effort on my part, and just might prove to be the greatest discovery of all time.

You know, right after diet coke, of course.

What is said life-altering discovery, you ask?

This:

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McKay has recently shown an interest in experimenting in the kitchen. He has scoured cookbooks for recipes and then begged to be shown how to make them. I've happily let him help and taught him what little all that I know. No one has ever quite looked at me as an expert in anything, and I won't deny the slight boost it has been to the ego. Plus, it's priceless to get some quality time with my biggest boy. He chatters on, I listen and smile, and in the end we have accomplished something more than just dinner.

But he progressed to the point where he really wanted to try some things on his own. With Pizza Hut's phone number on speed dial, I gave him the chance and stepped out of the kitchen. (Plus, it's not like I'd really do better anyway.)

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As a result, last week he made three of our seven family dinners, one of which consisted of a roast, potatoes, carrots, and HOMEMADE CRESCENT ROLLS.

ALL. BY. HIMSELF.

(Yes. From scratch. And they were delicious.)

He has quite suddenly become very adept in the kitchen and I have willingly turned that task over to his capable hands (which, by the way, he is very religious about washing, thankyouverymuch).

In fact, early this morning before he headed off to school, he handed me a shopping list of ingredients he'll need to make tonight's dinner.

It's about the most fabulous thing ever.

I've always wanted a live-in chef.

Now which of the other two kids do you think I could turn into my live-in maid?

26 comments:

♥Shally said...

You are a genius!!

Pics aren't showing up though...

Miss you! Where have you been? Is it me? I lose weeks at a time, I swear...

Lauren in GA said...

Ahhhhhhh, Yeaaaaaaaaaa! Paydirt!!

I love plans border on evil genius. Those are the best plans of all.

McKay is so awesome. I would have wept with joy when he handed me the shopping list. He is an adorable live in chef!!

You always make me smile, "With Pizza Hut's phone number on speed dial..."

Christina B. said...

That is so great! It must be so rewarding as a mom to get paybacks like that.

jen@odbt said...

Amazing. There's nothing like a man who knows how to cook...his future wife will be so grateful. How long before I can expect this from one of my kids?

danandcindy said...

Ladies?

Unknown said...

That is awesome! My 12 yr. old son is the only of my kids to ever show an interest in cooking. He always offers to help and has even attempted one recipe on his own - well, sort of on his own. I'm so much of a control freak that it's hard for me not to hover over him. I've really got to learn to not do that, LOL!

calibosmom said...

How is that possible? I've got to get in on that deal. I can definately see Hannah cleaning out closets and I'm sure when he is old enough you can get Chase to be your chauffeur.

Figments of a Mom said...

That is so fabulous! I'm happy when they make their own beds so I don't have to do. But, dinner? I can picture coming home to a meal already prepared. Ahhh. I can dream. Enjoy! Hope he sticks with it!

Amanda D said...

I have dreams of this type of thing happening. However, it isn't likely to happen because I tend to shoo the children out of the kitchen when I'm working. And my oldest child is so picky that we would end up eating flour tortillas with cheese and ketchup on them for every meal.

the wrath of khandrea said...

but how is he at cleanup? or are you willing to do that in exchange for the culinary efforts?

Beckie Steele said...

You've got a maid in Miss Hannah! Girlfriend loves her a clean room....and a handy man in Chase! Give him tools and he will create, fix, or at least attempt to! Now if only I could conjure up a similiar plan in my house? Nah, it's not going to happen. I will just kidnap yours!!!!!

Lala said...

That is BEAUTIFUL! I can only dream. Maybe I'll send Garrett & Jeff to hang out with McKay

Meggan said...

That is awesome! Way to go McKay! Glad to see you guys are doing good!

Becky said...

ooooh, I don't know if I could let go of the control in the kitchen. Not that i do a very good job in there- I am so impressed. If I could just NOT watch what was going on, I dare say I would be just as enthused as you are. Good job Big Mack. I would like to wrk on the live in maid though. Would be so nice. :)

Thelma said...

Does he do tutorials/motivational speeches to other oldest sons in other families?

Because I'm interested.

Cares and Mimi said...

Is this lovely young man willing to work his chef magic in my home?

Seriously :) - Carrie

Juli said...

Pure Genius! My oldest is also experimenting in the kitchen, although he's mastering breakfast. It is nice to not have to cook, it's the cleaning up after that I'm not so fond of.

Annemarie said...

That is a beautiful, beautiful thing. My hat is off to you & him!

Jessica said...

You don't want a live-in maid any more than I want a live-in cook. You kind of like the picking up, like I kind of like the cooking.

(Not that I'd say no to a few meals a week that I didn't have to do myself.)

Now...does he do the grocery shopping part, because that part I TRULY HATE.

Elizabeth said...

Wow I really envy you!!!! (that isnt a nice trait I know). Excellent parenting (take all the credit...always).

Tristan said...

That is awesome!! I'll be watching his career unfold.

Travelin'Oma said...

Totally awesome! I can't wait for Thanksgiving!

Karey said...

That is fabulous! His food looks great and his face is so cute I can't stand it. How old is he? I have a beautiful 12-year old daughter who might be interested!

Jake said...

He looks so cute and proud of himself! I think a "Stie and Son Bakery" would be a whopping success.

Aubrey said...

that's just pure awesomeness. i wonder if my kids will ever show similar inclinations when they get bigger (like big enough to see into their mixing bowl without a chair).

Anonymous said...

Pretty much the best sort of help ever. Way to go McKay!