It seems only natural to talk to together as a family at dinnertime, right? Terrible but true, sometimes dinner can be more about filling our bellies and moving onto “what’s next”; rather than connecting together with meaningful conversation. Lately, we’ve been trying hard to make the hours before and after dinner something that’s special for us — toys are shelved, the TV is off, and devices are far away. Since the boys are becoming more independent, we all take part in preparing dinner together. Being mindful of the purpose, it’s easier to plan ahead in finding “little” ways in which little ones can help: washing produce, setting the table, turning on classical music, feeding Lulu, beautifying the table, etc. Having everyone involved well before “it’s time to eat” helps set the tone that this time of day is meant to be savored and enjoyed; and that each member of the family adds value.
Last night, we put some extra love into our dinner routine. Translation: we didn’t eat at the bar. We actually sat down at the kitchen table, lit candles and all! Part of that included teaching our children the components of having a good conversation — such as how to wait their turn to speak, asking thoughtful questions, how to listen to others using eye contact and not thinking about what they have to say while others are talking. And you know what? We connected. Learned more about each others thoughts and feelings. And warm fuzzies were flying around our home.
If that weren’t enough, delicious food can make the experience all the more enjoyable. This new pasta recipe I’ve been playing with does not have your “average” Italian ingredients list… uh, the anchovies or dare I say, raisins?! I know. But friends, it’s worth giving it a fork twirl! The combination of fresh seasonal tomatoes with tried and true Mezzetta pasta sauce make this dish oh so delizioso! Psst! Want a chance to have a pasta night with your loved ones + $500 grocery gift card?! Enter at the end of this post!
For a chance to win a Perfect Pasta Night Kit + $500 in FREE GROCERIES from Mezzetta, enter HERE.
This recipe looks delicious!! I’m always looking for a way to spice up your average spaghetti sauce. I’d love to find out where your dishes are from!
Thank you, Stacey! The white plates are from IKEA. The bowls are from Anthropologie as well as the drinking glasses! Pot is Le Cruset!
Hi!! Beautiful pictures. Please tell me what camera you use. I want to ask my husband for a new for Christmas and would really like to know which one you use. Help a mama out 🙂 thanks!!
I shoot with a Canon 5D Mark iii 🙂
Looks delicious!!
It is! Let me know if you end up trying it!
What a great reminder. You’re so inspirational and my most favorite blogger. Thank you for sharing your sweet family with us.
P.S. I tried out the kid table on cinder blocks idea for my boys birthday party and it worked perfectly. Thank you for that!!
Oh yay! So happy your birthday party was a success! Thank you for your kind words – truly warms my heart! xo
All the pictures are beautiful! Involving the children in meal prep is always a fun and interesting experience. Any efforts we make with our children are so worth it. The dish you made looks delish and that baby’s cheeks! The boys are getting so big too. Love your posts!
Debbie, so true! Trying to cherish all of these moments with my little cherubs. Thank you for the comment!
no doubt the pasta looks fab! But, I am all about that sheep print. Fantastic! Any info on the gingham shirt from the beach post?
You’ve got a good eye, friend! Wink wink. Sheep print is a shot I took of the ones behind our home, last winter. Gingham shirt is from Abercrombie & Fitch.
Such beautiful pics!!! I hope your doing ok-praying for you!
Needed some time to really focus on our family intently as we tried to sort through some things. Thank you for the prayers – they are felt and much appreciated.
OMGG I absolutely love you and bbgirls outfits!! Your kimono and those little leggings on her are to die for? Love love love everything about this post and my man just made spaghetti last night and this looks like a delicious version to try, thank you!
Filling my heart with lots of giggles! Thank you!
Just found your blog and I love it! Those are such beautiful pictures! The recipe looks delicious and I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
-Alice Wright
http://www.whatsoever-lovely.blogspot.com
http://www.thewrightfamilyfarm.blogspot.com
Happy to “meet” you, Alice!
Definitely good idea to always sit at dinner table together. Before you know it, those boys (and your daughter) will be running out to baseball and other sports, that’s when it will become absolutely impossible so good to do it now. Lovely photos as usual.
Trying to savor it all! Thank you, Mary Beth!
looks amazing! wondering what lens you use? love your photos!
These pics were used with a 50 mm lens. 🙂
loveeeeee ur tips on how to make each day count! thank you for inspiring so many of us!!! keep giving us tips on how to raise healthy, great kids! thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!