When I came in from my workout this morning the stovetop was covered with three pans of German puffed pancakes, and once again I marvelled at Bella's ways in the kitchen.
It's not just that she can follow a recipe, although that's where she started. What impresses me more is that she knows how to *manage* the kitchen. She chooses what to cook based on what we have (her mental inventory is better than mine), what should be used up, what we are almost out of, and all those hard-to-express intangibles that hopefully develop by a decade or so of homemaking.
She can do all the grocery shopping for the week ahead completely solo, with my money and after a brief conversation with me about the week's activities and menu ideas. In the world's most ideal division of labor, I've taken to dropping her off at the grocery store and going thrifting! I give her free reign to buy whatever she thinks best and she always makes good decisions. Truly, it is awesome.
Wow - it's a struggle for me to do that. That is wonderful. And so nice that they know you trust them.
ReplyDeleteThrifting instead of grocery shopping - ahh
Lisateresa
How wonderful, Bella. Anna, I truly hope that our two little girls can have a similar experience growing up. We are enjoying them all. Mary Brooke
ReplyDeleteThat's fantastic! I started supporting myself about a year ago, and am still trying to learn those skills. It seems like your daughter already has them mastered.
ReplyDeleteThat's one talented young lady! Good for her and you!
ReplyDeleteWow, it must be awesome! Bella is blessed.
ReplyDeleteHow much would she charge to come to Washington State and give lessons?! :~D
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed, though I know you know that! :) All your children are remarkable people and a testament to your love of God and your parenting.
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful that Bella is so competent with "fooding", as my eldest daughter called it! It is such a blessing to the whole household!...to those who used to shop, to those who used to cook, and to those who just plain like to eat!
ReplyDeleteNow you are making me jealous! Grocery shopping and menu planning... not something I've mastered after two and a half years of homemaking! It's great that you are giving Bella that responsibility now.
ReplyDeletewow wow wow! My best friend and I were just discussing how long it takes to develop these skills. I think I was 30 before I got to this point. How inspiring to see a teenager capably managing this. Rock on, Bella!
ReplyDeleteYou are so blessed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a Bella! Too bad we can't clone her because I could really use a Bella. She could fill my home with sweet music and delicious aromas... what an awesome combination :)
ReplyDeleteI think that Bella is the coolest kid ever! I have two daughters who are pretty competent in the kitchen but it would take both of them to pull off those accomplishments and they are older than she! I am sure that Bella's skills will lead to a lifetime of blessings for her family.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I'm like Bella and would much rather be in the grocery store doing the shopping. I love the whole menu planning/food preparation side of homemaking! Although I love a good run to the thrift store too!
ReplyDeleteThat pancake looks much like what we call at our house "David Eyre Colonial Pancakes!" A wonderful breakfast by any name!! And what a blessing your Bella is!! Your family inspires me!!
ReplyDeleteAmy P. in TN
Wow! This is so wonderful!!! Great job, Bella! :)
ReplyDeleteI think what Bella does is fabulous!! I love using the talents and gifts of my children. Now I just wish I had someone who was better at managing the food! I'm hoping my 8yo will be terrific at that. I'll just have to wait a few more years to see... ; )
ReplyDeleteLongtime reader; first-time commenter, but I wanted to say how awesome it is that you've raised such a competent and thoughtful young lady. I am so very envious (and also wondering how I can do the same with my son and daughter)...
ReplyDeleteWonderful Bella - you are years ahead of so many women in planning and providing delicious and nourishing meals for your family. An amazing accomplishment for someone so young - no doubt you have been especially gifted by God to fulfill the unique plan He has for your life. Won't it be an adventure to see where your musical gifts, kitchen savvy, and all of your other talents lead you?
ReplyDeleteWhat a skill to have already Bella, good for you!
ReplyDeleteAnna there was something about this post that rang a bell with me although I couldn't think why when I read it yesterday. This morning I realised what it was, have a look here, it just might give you and Bella a smile:
http://pleasantviewschoolhouse.blogspot.com/2007/09/learning-to-grocery-shop.html
I love to see each of your children grow and become accomplished in their different areas of specialty. You and your husband have gifted hands at guidance and it's what I most hope to glean as I read your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteThis is just great. I hope I will be there too....Someday...
ReplyDeleteThis is a task she will need if she still plans on opening a savory foods bakery. Good job Mama Anna!
ReplyDeleteI love Dutch Babies.
ReplyDelete