Total Request Tuesday: Nutrition and My Monsters

I don't know if some of you didn't quite understand what I meant when I said, 'Total Request Tuesday.'  All I meant by doing that was to have an actual topic to write about.  I know moms often feel alienated because of the choices they make and that often brings feelings of guilt.  I just wanted to have a time where you all can ask me to touch on a subject and how it pertains to my life.  How about I just get started and then I can explain more later....

I was talking to a friend about our kids' good nutrition, or lack there of and she suggested that I share it on my blog.  We were talking about how guilty we feel when we sit down for a meal (at the last minute, most of the time) and all we want to make is something fast and easy.  At our house that often consists of me dumping in a box of macaroni and cheese (sometimes tossing in some frozen veggies with it), passing out cold hot dogs (yes, my boys like cold hot dogs), a couple of apple slices.  I know that doesn't sound that bad, but then why do I feel so guilty every time I do it? 

I see all of these kids, eating all of these magnificant (and different) fruits and vegetables and I so badly want to do that for my kids, but when I am shopping and cooking, I become a creature of habit.  I buy what I know.  And I cook what I know.  Simple as that.  For example, I thought I would be adventurous and get some brussel sprouts... Bad idea! I think I made like two out of the container of 20-something!  I tell myself that I tried, but the truth is that I didn't try at all!

Luckily Preston is still at the age that he will eat pretty much anything that I put infront of him, but Parker is already starting to turn up his nose to certain fruits and vegetables (and for your information, this topic, atleast in my house, insn't just about fruits and veggies, but I just wanted to get my point across).  I find it so sad that my little garbage disposal that used to be, is now becoming a 'picky' eater and it is all because of me! 

The other night we had one of those frozen stir-fry meals, where you just add the meat, and as I was eating it (it was yummy, may I add), I was sitting there thinking.. I could totally make this on my own.  All it consisted of was some cut vegetables and some sauce.  However, I blame it partly on me being a boring person when it comes to food, partly on our society and how everything needs to be quick and easy, and a large part of the blame falls onto me for being too lazy to really care.  I really want to care, honestly.  But the sad truth is that I, and from what I hear, a lot of mother don't care enough.  I don't say that I don't care at all, because if I didn't I won't be writing this, but I just don't even know where to begin sometimes.

So, with this post, I am also asking for any suggestions that you may have?  Any delicious stuff you suggest my family to try, any different ways to prepare our food., anything!

So, this this total request thing.. I didn't mean for you all to come to me for advice, I can give it, but I don't promise you want to hear it! Haha.. I just meant for us to wallow in our own guilt (on any subject)... together.  I posted awhile ago that we should all be working together to help each other and if I need to point out my faults to make us all stronger as a group.. I am more than happy to do it!