It has been a really busy summer packed full of a lot of adventures and great memories; it’s hard to believe that the girls are going back to school this week…..so sad!  As we adjust to a new school year I want to make sure I have the menu planned since our days will be very busy.  The kids are sad to say goodbye to summer but excited to see their friends and go back to school. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Beef Bow Tie Pasta Bake, Fresh Garden Salad
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner – Pizza
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Golden Chicken Curry, Roasted Garlic & Chili Jasmine Rice
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Loaded Scallop Potato Casserole, Fresh 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 seafood 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

The girls have horse camp this week and we are still in the process of locating another vehicle so the schedules have been a little more crazy.  I am thankful for the amazing opportunities we have been given, for a dinner menu to keep us on track in the evenings, and awesome friends who have been a huge blessing to us this week.  Summer has been a whirlwind of activity around our house this year and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down any time soon.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Cheesy Beef & Bow Tie Pasta Casserole, Fresh Fruit
• Tuesday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Special Event
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Golden Chicken Curry, Roasted Garlic & Chili Jasmine Rice
• 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 seafood entree, Tuesday a pasta or pork 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

It has been a fun and busy week filled with summer activities, juggling schedules, one car, and everything else that is going on.  Thankfully our family enjoys an adventure because this summer has been a whirlwind of activity.  In the middle of all the craziness their is a plan of action included our weekly dinner plan to help keep us on track.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Homemade Pizza, Cesar Salad
• Tuesday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Rotini Pasta Casserole, Easy Vegetable Bake
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner (Hamburgers)
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Sesame Chicken Teriyaki, Thai 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 seafood entree, Tuesday a pasta or pork 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

Last week we were in Charleston so our menu planning was not as consistent but we did really well with what we had!  Now that we are back home we will have a more traditional menu again.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Taco Lasagna, Fruit Salad, 7 Grain Rice
• Tuesday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Four Cheese Rotini, Easy Vegetable Bake
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Spinach & Chicken Casserole, Ranch Bacon Pasta 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 seafood entree, Tuesday a pasta or pork 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

This is the girls last week of school so we are getting excited about summer break!  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Penne Pasta Casserole, Caesar Salad
• Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Sesame Teriyaki, Asian Noodles
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Garden Vegetable Soup, French Bread
• 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, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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

We are back to a more “normal” week around our house again.  We had a blast in Florida at the Kennedy Space Center, Disney, and Sea World.  The girls are in the last couple weeks of school and we have some busy evenings with events, school programs, and activities.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Special Activities (4 separate activities all in the span of 3 hours so squeezing in dinner on the run)
• Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Korma Curry, Jasmine Rice
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Tomato Pasta Casserole, Caesar 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, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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

It is a little different week for our family because we have some special plans for the Memorial weekend!  I look forward to sharing our fun adventures with you soon.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Homemade Hamburger & Vegetarian Pizza, Cesear Salad
• Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Sesame Teriyaki, Asian Noodles
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Special Event
• Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Memorial Weekend Celebrations! 🙂

I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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

I am excited to announce that the menu has been altered a little bit this week.  Since the girls already help and love creating goodies with us in the kitchen I have decided to do a trial run and let them be in charge of dinner on Thursday night.  The girls are now seven years old and have been putting together most of their school lunches so I think they should be able to come up with a few fun items to make for family dinner.  I look forward to seeing what the two of them come up with to eat!  I will be in the kitchen to assist and help when called upon but for the most part I want them to do as much as of it as they can on their own.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Lasagna, French Bread
• Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Spicy Citrus Glazed Shrimp, Angel Hair Pasta
• Wednesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Brina & Karlie’s Night to Cook Dinner
• Thursday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Special Event – Around The World
• 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, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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

With the last few weeks of traveling, family staying with us, and everything going on it has been difficult getting the menu posted.  This past month we had over two weeks when our household went from four people to nine.  There were even days when we had 18 to 26 people over for a meal.  This is the first week in several months that resemble “normal” and I am trying to get caught back up again.   This weeks meals are simple, based off the items we have in the kitchen, and using up the leftovers from having guests.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef Entree): Cube Steak Sandwiches, Watermelon
• Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Ham, Green Beans, Fresh Leafy Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken Entree):  Chicken & Broccoli Stir Fry, Jasmine Rice
• Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree):  Pancakes, Fresh Fruit
• 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 entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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

I have taken a few weeks off from posting the menu with all the traveling.   It was wonderful traveling around the world (India, Charleston, and a few places in between) but thankful to be back home again.  We have some family coming into town for a visit so I will do my best to stay up to date but my regular menu may not be back on track for a few weeks once life “returns to normal”.    This week the menu is based on what I already have in the freezer / pantry that needs to be eaten so it does not necessarily follow the “meat” for the day.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef Entree): Lasagna, French Bread
• Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Green Bean Tator Tot Casserole, Fresh Fruit Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken Entree):  Chicken Noodle Soup, Bread
• Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree):  Enchiladas, Steamed 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 entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork 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