Is this the only light source in the room? Is it over an eating area or centered on the ceiling?

By what I can tell this is centered in the ceiling so my thought would be to use that box and get one of the modern track lighting systems that allows you to add pretty fixtures too. Anything from pendants to those that are directional. by what I understand about them is if you stay within that system/brand you can add more lights later. That could help when on a budget.
By the way you did a nice job. It looks great! Love the chalk board wall. I bet you children do too!

Will you miss the ceiling fan, do you use it a lot? If so you could update it with a newer style fan.

I like your kitchen. With the white cabinetry, brick backsplash, and grey walls, it looks very classic. I would suggest that you put a black wrought iron light in your kitchen. Make sure you get the right size, and get one with 5 to 6 lights in it. A pendant light could be a classic touch. I think it'll look great in your kitchen instead of the ceiling fan.

Thank you for all the the ideas!
The kitchen is long and narrow. There is only the single fan/light in the ceiling right now. I would not miss the fan too much since we have a vent system in the microwave now.

I was sort of thinking of a pendant, or if my husband can't give up the fan, then maybe a silver and black newer fan?

I've never seen the track lighting you speak of, it sounds really neat. Would you have a picture?

The kids really do love the chalk board wall. They use it while I am making dinner and it is great for practicing letters and numbers with the family.

This is one group linked to below. If you have a Lowes or Home Depot near you I'm sure you can check them out in person and ask questions of just how you can work with them.
Our pantry door is painted in chalkboard paint. I had my hubby do this six years ago with thought's of grandbabies.
We had none then, but now have a two year old grandson so we too will soon be learning letters on it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Track lighting info