What's Cooking
Tuna & Spinach Salad Made with Love
A few days ago Karlie was in charge of making the family meal. She made a super delicious meal. For my meal she put together a Tuna, Spinach & Tomato Salad. When I sat down for dinner this beauty greeted me.
I love how she displayed the tomatoes around the edges of the salad and the 1 spinach leaf on the top of the tuna fish salad mix she put together on her own. It was amazing! Thankful for a thoughtful and sweet kid who made a delicious and healthy meal.
She made tuna fish sandwiches for the rest of the family, which based on their reactions turned out really tasty as well. Thanks Karlie for a great meal! Love you kiddos!
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
It has been a whirlwind of activities around our house this past week with getting back from Alaska, work, transitioning the kids to a new school, friends visiting, and a large amount of other fun activities going on. Thankful to be back home again and getting started on a more consistently (and somewhat) normal school again.
Since this week we have a mix of activities on the agenda including school and work we’ll make it simple and easy. I based our menu off some items that we need to use up from our pantry. Hopefully once we get into our new regular routine I will be able to catch up on more long term projects around the house and yard again. Our menu is going to be simple and easy. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Beef Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Homemade Individual Pizzas, Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Vindaloo, Homemade Naan Bread
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Pork & Vegetable Stir Fry, Udon Noodles
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
We are back now after an amazing family vacation! We had a blast exploring Alaska and Canada. It was the first time any of our family had been to Alaska. The girls and I have never been on the west coast prior to our trip. I’ll share a little bit more about our adventures soon.
This week we have a mix of activities on the agenda. We are getting back into the work and regular schedule as well as gearing up for fun with family, friends, and the upcoming school year. We have friends coming to visit for a few days, the girls are attending their last summer camp, and we have the Meet the Teacher night this week which means school is around the corner. Our menu is going to be simple and easy. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Crockpot Roast, Potatoes, & Green Beans
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Minestrone Soup, Garlic Bread
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Grilled Mustard Chicken, Fresh Fruit
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Special Event
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.http://www.blessingsmultiplied.com/wp-admin/post-new.php
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
This week will have a mix of special events on the schedule for us to attend. Thankful for opportunity to spend some time with the family and a chance to participate in some fun activities this week. The rest of the week will be simple meals because it will be busy at work, home, and other activities. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Special Event
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Special Event
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Vegetarian Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Individual Homemade Pizzas, Salad
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
This week will be a little wild with some extra craziness adding into it so we are keeping the menu super simple. The girls will be assisting with a lot of the meals since we have a good bit going on with work, camp, and items that need to be accomplished at home this week. Thankful that they are getting old enough to pitch in and are a huge help around the house (and in the kitchen cooking) more all the time. We are blessed with seeing their talents and skills continue to grow. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Grilled Hamburgers, Baked French Fries
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Tuna Fish Sandwiches, Leafy Green Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Fingers, Fresh Fruit Salad
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Hotdogs, Baked Beans
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
There is a lot of fun activities coming up this week. We want to make sure our menu plan is easy, quick, healthy, and practical. Thankfully the girls are getting to the age where they can pitch in and help or at times put together the meal on their own. They are still a little timid around boiling water and a piping hot grill, but I am okay with that because I would much rather that they ask me or Jake for help then to get hurt. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Spaghetti & Noodles, Garlic Bread
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Salmon, Steamed Vegetables
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Mustard Chicken, Salad
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled Vegetables
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Spaghetti & Noodles, Garlic Bread
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was wonderful starting last week off with a Holiday! We were able to get some extra items done around the house and spend some time together as a family. Having the holiday on a Monday did through off our week a little bit, but we adjusted just fine! We had a spontaneous dinner and gathering midweek with extended family which was a lot of fun too! The girls had fun at bike camp while Jake and I tackled projects at work. We’ve been busy working through a lot of items and project around the house as well. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids.– finished reading it, the girls loved it!
Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.Plan one special activity with the family- Play a Game with the Kids
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Attend After Work Activities Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer BreakWork on family projects togetherDaily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control
Kid Goals
Have kids do work in their Summer Workbook(s)Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a dayHave kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skillsEach kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blogSpend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skillsAt least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayKeep up with my FitBit Goals- Do yoga at least 5 times a week – not so great on this one, got out of my regular routine
Go to my Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries dailyTackle some lingering projects on my “to do” listRead over the kids blog posts
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it took more than 1 day with everything going on this week
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Clean Living Room)Organize Chaos (Focus – Label & Hang Up Kids Necklaces)Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Pick up Sticks found in the yard from the past couple of storms)Pet Care (Focus – Work of the Goat & Dog Fences)- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received) – haven’t been able to do this one yet
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – need to wrap up one more
- Notes typed for work – need to update with new information
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed – update and review
- Folders Labeled for work – working on it
- Training on new projects – making progress
- Desk drawers organized – getting it there
Do at least 5 blog posts this weekCatch up on Hootesuite- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update – have more of them completed
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchOne-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor – narrowing down the schedules
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget – went more than once with the impromptu family dinner with 17 people on Thursday night! 🙂
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use – making good progress, but still have a ways to go
Take items to the recycling distributorMake meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading The Forgotten Filly by Karle Dickerson to the kids.
- Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Attend After Work Activities
- Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Work on family projects together
- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control
Kid Goals
- Have kids do work in their Summer Workbook(s)
- Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a day
- Have kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)
- Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skills
- Each kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blog
- Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skills
- At least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week
- Go to my Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
- Tackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
- Read over the kids blog posts
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Family Room)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Laundry Room)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Blow off deck, sidewalk, & driveway)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat & Dog Food)
- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Notes typed for work
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed
- Folders Labeled for work
- Training on new projects
- Desk drawers organized
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week
- Catch up on Hootesuite
- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- One-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use
- Take items to the recycling distributor
- Make meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Thankful for extra time with family. It was a week with a little bit of an adjustment with the girls on the summer camp schedule. They had a blast. This week is going be another fun adventure for them. Thankful for the opportunity to spend extra time with the girls during the summer schedule. While they are in camp I will be at work so we can have time after work and camp. I want to keep our menu fairly simple and easy not only to save time, but to not heat up the house too much. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Holiday Event
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Baja Fish Tacos, Fresh Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, Steamed Rice
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Seasoned Pork, Grilled Summer Squash
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Holiday Event
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was a whirlwind week of work, summer camp, and activities. We had a lot of fun, got items done, and made progress along the way. Even though we were exhausting by the time Friday hit we were very thankful for a relaxing and productive weekend at home. Glad to have some time with my family and get some projects moving along at home too. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids. – almost done!
Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – did some of them
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.- did not make it through 7 pages
Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a Game with the Kids-
Attend After Work Activities Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break- Ride Bikes with the Kids – the girls road, but we did not get a chance
Work on family projects together– the girls were a big help getting items done around the house and yard this weekendUnpack suitcase from last family adventure- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control – we did a lot of cleaning, but didn’t get to the speed clean everyday (some days by the time we got home, ate dinner, took showers, we were ready to just hit the bed).
Kid Goals
Have kids do Summer Workbook(s)Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a daySign up kids for the Easley, Anderson, & Greenville County Summer Library Reading Programs– signed up for all 3 counties Summer Reading Programs near us since we are in each county eveSign up kids for Barnes & Noble and other similar reading programsHave kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skillsEach kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blogSpend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skillsKids start packing suitcases for next family adventureAt least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – some days were better than others
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week – did it three times during the work week, but had a couple mornings that other priorities popped up
Go to my Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries dailyTackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it took 2 days because we were busy working on other projects together as a family
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Normal Maintenance Cleaning)Organize Chaos (Focus – Start getting the Laundry Room back together and organized so we can clean up the family room downstairs)Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Plant Lilly Flower and Blueberry Bush – weather permitting)Pet Care (Focus – Refill Skipper’s Feeder)- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received)
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients- Notes typed for work – want to get caught up on some of my notes for easy reference
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed – worked on some of these items but need to fine tune it
- Folders Labeled for work – got some of them labeled but need to get more
- Desk drawers organized – getting closer
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week – did my regular posts but was not able to get the additional ones that I wanted to done
Catch up on Hootesuite- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update – got some of them completed, needs more work
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchOne-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor – narrowing down some dates with Jake so can confirm our schedules
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use – getting through some of the items we need to get organizes
- Take items to the recycling distributor – hopefully taking those in this week
- Make meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending – doing better this week
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids.
- Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Attend After Work Activities
- Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Work on family projects together
- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control
Kid Goals
- Have kids do work in their Summer Workbook(s)
- Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a day
- Have kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)
- Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skills
- Each kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blog
- Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skills
- At least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week
- Go to my Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
- Tackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
- Read over the kids blog posts
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Clean Living Room)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Label & Hang Up Kids Necklaces)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Pick up Sticks found in the yard from the past couple of storms)
- Pet Care (Focus – Work of the Goat & Dog Fences)
- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Notes typed for work
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed
- Folders Labeled for work
- Training on new projects
- Desk drawers organized
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week
- Catch up on Hootesuite
- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- One-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use
- Take items to the recycling distributor
- Make meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Thankful for extra time with family and friends. It was a whirlwind of work and various activities when we arrived back home. The girls were a big help with unpacking. I anticipate this week to be full but good! The girls have summer camp and Jake and I have work. Hopefully, we’ll be back into a routine and rhythm very soon! Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Cube Steak, Baked Potatoes
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Pita Pockets, Fresh Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Fried Chicken, Steamed Veggies
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Hot Dogs, Fruit Salad
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Cube Steak, Baked Potatoes
