If I give up cooking altogether -- does that make me a bad mom?

[cabanafrau]

I think the OP has already ruled out doing the mega-cook sessions because of their schedules. I know she already said her mom isn't an option, but I'd still recommend an aunt, neighbor, friend -- heck referral from a friend to connect w/ someone who could prepare homemade, freezeable(sp?) entree's, either w/ ingredients OP purchases, or possibly the cook does the shopping too.

I bet if the OP beats the bushes she can come up w/ someone who has the time & skills & might like to earn a bit of cash on the side. Even if it only covers a couple meals a week, it would offer more variety and get away from a bit more of the processed foods.

 

[FayeW]

You seem to be making some excellent choices for meals that suit your tastes, budget and lifesyle. To vary the menu, and help keep costs down I would also recommend using a crockpot. I use mine at least once during a two week period. I love throwing in a pork or beef roast and then you only have to make the side dishes when you get home. It would be perfect for the Saturdays when you work 1/2 day and then your son has activities. Throw the roast in before you go to work, and you'll have a lovely supper. We also use the crockpot to cook the pork for pulled pork sandwiches, which would be very quick during the week. Frozen chicken breasts with a can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup will make a nice meal with noodles or rice as well.

Pasta with canned or jarred sauce, and tacos are another couple of quick and easy additions to the Trader Joe's stuff. You could double the amount of beef you cook for both of those meals, freeze half, and then it would be ready for a really quick meal next time.

 

[C.Ann]

Sounds fine to me - and much healthier than what a whole lot of kids get.. I also wouldn't spend too much time worrying about the sodium content as it appears - from what you have posted - that only one small portion of the meal contains sodium, while the numerous other items don't..

 

[Familycircus]

Really good friends of ours, the wife DOES NOT COOK, only does microwave heat ups. She said when they buy another house or remodel their current one, she will have vending machines installed instead of a kitchen.