Need an easy recipe to feed an army this holiday season? I've got one for you. It is Spaghetti Pie from All Recipes.
It really makes enough to serve at least 8 people. Maybe more. It even has veggies in it: I used a red pepper, onions and fresh mushrooms. The recipe calls for a jar of canned mushrooms, but ick, who uses those anyway? One pound of hamburger and you have a hearty meal that you can even prep ahead.
I made it for my husband and I because I am not thinking straight lately. We will eat it for four days straight and still have leftovers, but hey, I won't have to cook again for a while, right?
Anyway, if you are having a house full of guests in the next week or so, this could be a good solution to keep you out of the kitchen, since you can put it together ahead of time and just bake it a half hour before you want to serve it.
This All Recipes cookbook actually has a few good recipes in it that I have used from time to time.
I hope you all had a good weekend. I won't lie, things have been hard around my house lately. I won't go into it, but I am feeling pretty worn out. No light at the end of the tunnel, but when that light shows itself my attitude will pick up I promise.
20 Responses
Nicole is there anyway you can have someone come in to help you for a few hours a couple of times a week? It would give you a much needed break. My friend’s mother had a stroke 10 years ago. She had her father are the primary caregivers. Her father finally broke down and hired someone for a few hours a week. It has been a tremendous help for my friend.
Be kind to yourself and give me yourself some grace. We often treat ourselves much harder than we would a friend! You and your husband are going through hell. If all you do is rest one afternoon, that’s ok. This is literally the time to lower expectations. The rest of the world will always be there. I do know it’s easier said than done. Sending prayers, love and strength ❤️🙏
Give yourself grace. You are really doing so much. Keeping you and your husband healthy is your new priority.
I admire you. If spaghetti pie is what’s for dinner…then enjoy spaghetti pie. I’m going to hunt around for this cookbook, and perhaps make myself one, too.
Sending an abundance of support and a wish for peace.Bev
I so want to comment but without having commented previously, not having connected before, I wasn’t sure what to say. So I’ll say I hear you and am keeping you in my prayers.
The spaghetti pie sounds wonderful! I am going to look into this recipe book. Will keep you and Dennis in my prayers. I know it’s hard. Enjoy Christmas as much as you can.
Oh Nicole…you and Dennis have had a rough season and my heart goes out to you. And yes, give yourself grace to not have things exactly as you like them to be and when you think they need to be done. Listen to your heart priorities and focus on those and maybe things will let up some??? Take care, my friend and know that I think of you often, even if I don’t comment on your posts.
I agree with the others about maybe getting some extra help. Even if it’s just a few hours. If you can’t take care of yourself you will not be healthy enough to take care of him. I’ve been there with my mom and everything can be exhausting. My thoughts are with you.
I agree with the prior comments. Give yourself some grace. It IS hard. And ata usually joyful time of year. Hire someone for a couple of hours. Go somewhere with Eva. Do something with Eva, maybe bake some Christmas cookies. Or sit and do nothing. You’re still in my thoughts and prayers for peace this holiday season. And in the Mew Year
Care giving is difficult and exhausting and once you experience it you have so much more understanding and empathy. Do it well and you won’t regret it. Blessings for a beautiful and peaceful Christmas. Prayers continue.
Nichole, in periods of life like this, one day at a time. Sometimes even 1 hour at a time. Sometimes even less…
I agree that if there’s any kind of agency that provides respite for caregivers in your area you might want to look into it. What you’re going through IS tough & exhausting. Add in that it’s the holiday season & that’s another layer to get through. Having coverage/help for a few hours even three days a week would give you something to look forward to as far as getting some time ‘off.’ I understand the reality is that we’re strangers to you, but you’re in our hearts & thoughts every day as you navigate this bumpy time. 💕💕
You and your husband are definitely going through a rough time. Believe that there will be light, because there will be. No knowing when, but there will be. For now, do what really has to be done. With some help if possible, as others have suggested. As for all the other things, they can and/or will have to wait. Just how it is. Don’t let it weigh on your mind too much.
And remember that YOU are one of the important things that must be taken care of!! Give yourself some grace, and whatever small bits of time and small pleasures you can manage. Sleeping and doing nothing count as good uses of your time!
Wishing you all the best this holiday season. Peace. Joy. Love. Family. Friends.
sending so much love your way…
I am so sorry its been rough going. I hope you have a tribe of people you can call on to help out from time to time. Sending all the best thoughts. You’ll get through, hopefully soon and this will be a big blip that has melted into the past.
I can understand what you are going through. My husband broke both heels last fall and spent 8 weeks in a wheelchair, unable to put any weight on his feet. It was overwhelming at first until I got into a routine. But there were many days that I looked forward to the end of the day, to crawl into bed and get rest. So, remember to take care of the important things including your own health. The rest will work themselves out. I wish you both the best of the holiday season.
This new normal is definitely not easy and hopefully not of unending duration. The challenges of being a caregiver are many, but again like others have said, the number one to take care of is yourself. It’s very difficult to accept help or ask for it, but necessary for the health and well being of both of you. Thinking of you both. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Nicole, please take of you! It’s a lot of working caring for someone. The spaghetti pie looks/sounds delicious, I enjoy leftovers so I don’t have to cook daily! Merry Christmas, love and prayers for you and hubby!!
Glad to get the update… make your life as easy as possible for now! One day, I’m sure you will slip into the sewing room for a half hour and your spirits will pick up immensely. It’s coming! Sending hugs!!!
I have heard these specific suggestions from others –
Hire someone to clean your bathrooms and kitchen every other week.
Keep a list handy and when friends/family offer to help, give them a specific job (vacuum once a week, run errands, pick up curbside grocery order, repairs, etc).
Hire someone to come in a couple times a week to help your husband bathe. Maybe you qualify for services?
Consider meals on wheels for lunch, if you qualify, it is a big help
Crock pot! Freeze leftovers. Have someone else cook meat for your freezer, makes casseroles very quick and easy if the meat is already cooked. (I did this for a friend with cancer. I cooked and filled freezer bags with 1lb each of cooked lean ground beef regularly. She could manage if the meat was ready.)
Consider having someone else drive you both to anything long distance, so it is not so tiring. You can then nap on the way home.
I am hoping you have good neighbors and friends.
Vickie
All of Vickie’s specific suggestions above are helpful ideas. It’s good to see them ‘listed’ & not just general thoughts. Perhaps while he’s visiting Ahren can help you put some in action going forward. Your readers are here to cheer-lead, but we wish we could do so much more. Take care of you! 💕