Travel & Vacation: Swimming Pool Fun on Daniel’s Island
We got to try out a few hotel pools this summer with all our travel adventures. The one in the pictures below we visited more then once and the girls love it. The Hampton Inn on Daniel’s Island, SC (actually the only hotel on Daniel’s Island) was one of the girls favorites I think because we went to it several times over the summer and it was really close to everything.
- Brina and Karlie swimming in their “favorite” hotel pool!
The pool usually had some shade any time you were in it plus it was relatively quiet during the day.
- Brina Bee swimming in the pool.
The girls did really well in the pools and ocean this summer. When it was just Mommy and the girls swimming I made sure the girls wore floaties or their life jackets as an extra precaution. When Jake was with us they could go without the floaties or life jackets because each of us could spot one of the girls. You really cannot be too safe when it comes to swimming pools.
- Karlie showing off under water
Love this picture of Karlie and the pool. As you can see from the picture we were literally the only ones in the pool at this time. The girls would swims for hours. We had a blast swimming and playing.
- Brina smiling at me under water
Cute shot of Brina under water. She did great swimming, splashing and playing in the pool. I was thrilled to see her willing to take off her life jacket and floaties for a few minutes too. She loves the water!
- Karlie ready to jump
Karlie would wait to make sure I was looking before jumping. She loved jumping off the side of the pool into the water. The cannon ball was her favorite because it did a big splash.
- Brina playing in the swimming pool!
Brina had a blast swimming and diving under the water. She thought it was funny that she could see under water better than Mommy.
- Karlie in mid air
Karlie’s face in this picture makes me smile. She loved jumping, diving, cannon balling into the pool.
Brina getting ready to jump Love her little tongue sticking out as she contemplates the best way to jump on her unsuspecting noodle. Brina’s favorite way to jump into the pool was to target her noodle and jump in on it.
Karlie holding her breath under water Karlie wears her goggles almost the entire time she is in the pool. She loves being able to see “clearly” under water. One time she even found another kids diving stick for them! The goggles are on a little off center in this picture but the girls did really well putting them on by themselves.
Brina laughing at her noodle. Sometimes it is the simplest things in life that are so funny. Even though we were really busy filling our days with activities it was wonderful to have play time were we could relax, play and just have a blast together.
Karlie in mid jump.....her target is her blue noodle Karlie loves jumping into the pool. I was surprised at how high she was able to get on some of her jumps. Thankful for this time together and seeing my girls growing up.
Pretty Brina Bee holding her breath under water in the pool It takes talent learning how to hold your breath under water. I think over the last several months the girls have become water bugs. They love swimming!
- Karlie having fun at the pool
The girls could play all day at the pool. After several hours of swimming and several layers of sunblock Mommy decided we better head in so Daddy wasn’t waiting on us. The girls loved swimming in the pool and going on adventures. Most of our activities were simple (swimming in the pool, playing in the park, etc…) yet they were enjoyable for everyone. We made a lot of fun memories together this year. Thankful for my camera Jake gave me for Christmas because I can take it with me in the pool, ocean, or rain and not worry about the camera being ruined. The girls loved that I could take the camera into the pool with us!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party
One box ready to be opened by a girl and another one for boy! Every year our family and our church participates in the Operation Christmas Child. Our church collects items for Operation Christmas Child throughout the year. Each month they have an item or two that they request donations for and in late October they have a big Operation Christmas Child Packing Party. The girls enjoy donating items throughout the year but they really look forward to packing the actual boxes. We were not able to go to the church’s big packing party (the girls were very disappointed) but we were able to have a packing party at home. We had so much fun doing it I totally forgot to take pictures of the process! I was simply amazed at how many items we were able to get into the boxes. Our kitchen table was full of goodies and we were able to get almost everything into the boxes. The children getting these boxes will be very surprised at all the fun stuff the girls included.
How did we do it?
- We collected items throughout the year to put in our Operation Christmas Child Goody Box (toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, toys, trinkets, notebooks, books, socks, shirt, sunglasses, crafts, etc…)
- Once our OCC Goody Box was full we donated any extra items to our church’s packing party
- Throughout the year during the girls devotions we talked about helping others, Operation Christmas Child, and prayed for the children who would receive their boxes.
- The girls saved some of their money to purchase a few specific gifts for their child
- We prayed for the kids who would receive their boxes and went to the store to pick out items for them.
- We set all the gifts out on the kitchen table and packed as many gifts and treats that would fit into the boxes (the boxes barely closed with all the items).
- The girls proudly carried their boxes into church so they could be sent to their kids.
- We are continuing to pray for the girl and boy who will receive their boxes in the next few weeks.
Brina picked out items for a little girl and Karlie picked out items for a little boy. This activity provided many great opportunities to show the girls what it is like to give to others, pray for people who we will probably never meet, to share, and many other learning moments. The girls enjoyed donating to the church’s packing party throughout the year and it gave us an chance to discuss giving each time we donated items.
They love putting together their individual child boxes. I am amazed at how much thoughtfulness they put into each item they pick out for their kid. Even though we may never know the full impact their gift has on the recipient it is a true blessing to see them desiring to give generously to others without any expectation of getting anything in return. I pray that Operation Christmas Child will be a blessing to many children this Christmas Season and for many years to come.
Compassion International: “One Meal One Day” Event on November 9, 2011
On Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Compassion International holds an event called One Meal One Day. Skip a Meal and Change Your World. Have you ever gone a full day without any food because you have nothing to eat? There are people all over the world who are go hungry every day and this is a great opportunity for us to help.
What To Do?
- Step 1: Skip 1 meal on November 9, 2011 and donate the money you would typically spend on a meal (or more)
- Step 2: Engage Others – encourage others to participate in the event with you (both before the event day and the day of the event) by going without lunch and donating to help others around the world.
- Step 3: Feed Hungry Children – Compassion International uses your donation to feed children and train parents on the benefits of a healthy nutrition.
Why Should I Do It?
- You get to help others in a tangible way (food for those without any), plus you may have an chance to show the love Jesus with those around you.
- Youth, parents, and people around the nation are experiencing what it feels like to be hungry and sharing the challenge with their churches, passing out empty paper bags at school, and inviting their friends to skip one meal and give $5.
- When friends, family, or co-workers ask you why you are not eating lunch you have the opportunity share about the event and what Compassion International is doing to help starving people around the world.
- Once the donated amount is collected you send it to Compassion International so they can help feed children in poverty countries.
What is Compassion International?
- For over 50 years Compassion International has diligently worked to free children from poverty in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Compassion International works in 26 developing countries and with more than 1.3 million children who are living in poverty.
- While Compassion does help meet the physical needs of children they also minister to them spiritually.
- Compassion sponsored children have more opportunities for education, medical assistance, and physical benefits (such as food and water) while hearing the message of Jesus.
For more information about Compassion International and the One Meal, One Day visit their website. Our church youth group is encouraging everyone in our church to participate. Jake and I decided this is a great way to help others and are participating in this event.
Heart Reflections: I Was Hungry…
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. – Matthew 25:35
This verse has been on my mind since working on our church’s Alms & Legs Food Pantry a few weeks ago. Recently I was visited another church for a Fall Festival and I noticed the same verse on their Food Pantry informational sheet. Our family has gone through tough times but never have we been completely without food to put on the table, yet there are families in our community that go without meals every day.
I am grateful for this verse’s reminder of the importance of reaching out to other people to help not only with their physical needs but spiritual needs. Actions really do speak louder than words. What actions do I take when I see someone in need? Yes, I maintain the Food Pantry at church but how often do I reach out and give from my own resources to those in need around me?
Do you ever have a moral dilemma when you see a person standing on the side of the road holding a sign saying something along the lines of “Will work for food.”? What do you do? I have a mix of emotions seeing someone standing on the street holding one of those signs. I really never experienced anything like it growing up so the first time I saw someone standing there holding a sign I didn’t know what to do.
- Do you give money…..what if you just feed an addiction?
- Do you give food…..(you have a granola bar or box animal crackers in the car) does that really help them?
- Do you give them water…..(you have an extra water bottle in the car) how does that help them?
- Do you give words of encouragement…….you only have a few seconds or minute if you are at a stoplight?
I have had the opportunity to think about this situation and several other ones similar over the past few years. When you apply the verse from the beginning of the post by giving them food, drink, or a welcomed word of encouragement you are reaching out. You may be meeting their physical need which may in return open the door to meet their spiritual needs. I do not suggest you feed or give water to everyone standing on the street corner especially if it is unsafe. Use your best judgment, but take an opportunity to help others when you can even if it means just sharing a bottle of water or granola bar.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of November 9 – 15, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Fresh Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 per lb
Fresh Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs – $0.99 per lb
Port Side Cooked Shrimp (60 to 70 count / 10 oz) – $3.99
Half Cut Boneless Pork Loin – $1.99 per lb
Beef Sirloin Tip Roast – $2.99 per lb.
Sugardale Bone-In Shank Portion Ham – $1.19 per lb
Half Cut Beef Eye of Round Roast – $3.99 per lb
Sugardale Center Cut Ham Steak – $2.99 per lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Breaded Chicken, Patties, Tenders or Nuggets (24 oz) – $2.99
Home Churned Butter Quarters (Salted or Unsalted) 16 oz – $1.99
Mrs. Smith’s Pies, Pumpkin, Apple or Cherry (27 oz) – $2.50
Meadow Gold Premium Ice Cream, Vanilla or Chocolate (48 oz) – $2.50
Red Barron Classic Pizza, Assorted Varieties (20 to 22 oz) – $3.29
Banquet Brown ‘N Serve Sausage (39 count) – $3.49
Marvella Cheese Loaf (32 oz) – $3.99
Port Side Fish Sticks, Fillets, or Battered Fillets (19 – 24 oz) – $3.29
Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.69
Morning Delight Waffles (10 count) – $1.79
Morning Delight Jumbo Biscuits, Butter or Buttermilk (16 oz) – $1.59
Tree Ripe Premium Orange Juice (59 oz) – $2.99
Produce
Biggin’s Russet Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.99
Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 lbs) – $2.99
Yellow Onions (3 lbs) – $1.49
Roma Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates (100 count) – $2.49
Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (1 roll) – $0.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Protector & Gamble (Expires 11/30/11)
As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after couponSolo Plastic Cups (20 count) – $1.29
Chenard Plastic Cutlery – Knife, Fork, Spoon, & Assorted (48 count) – $1.69
Max Force Alkaline Batteries (AA or AAA 6 pack or DC 2 pack) – $1.99
Grocery
Domino Granulated Sugar (4 lb) – $2.39
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 11/25/11)
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Red Plum (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from October 2011 Woman’s Day Magazine (Expires 11/30/11)
Use $0.75/2 coupon from insert 10/16 Red Plum (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $1.89 each after couponWesson Pure Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.99
General Mills Cereal (10 to 12 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 10/2 General Mills (Expires 11/12/11)
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 10/23 Smart Source (Expires 12/3/11)
$1.66 each after couponHills Bros Coffee (33 oz) – $6.99
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon from Smart Source
Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 10/30 Smart Source (Expires 12/4/11)
As low as $5.99 each after couponTipton Grove Fruit Cocktail – $1.79
Kraft Handi-Snack Pudding Cups – $0.99
Save A Lot Fridge Ready Soda (12 packs) – $2.69
Kaskey’s Broth (32 oz) – $1.39
Wylwood Cut Sweet Potatoes (15 oz) – $0.89
Kaskey’s Cream Soup, Assorted Varieties (10.5 oz) – $0.59
Grissom’s Brown n’ Serve Rolls (12 oz) – $1.19
J. Higgs Buttery Rounds (16 oz) – $1.99
J. Higgs Saltines (16 oz) – $1.19
Marcum Seasoned Salt (12 oz) – $1.49
Marcum Ground Black Pepper (4 oz) – $1.99
Albany Bakery Pecan Shortbread Cookies (16 oz) – $2.49
Portmann’s Seafood Cocktail Sauce – $1.29
Portmann’s Tartar Sauce (11.5 oz) – $1.49
Betty Crocker Potato Buds – $1.69
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
As Low As $0.67 each after couponBetty Crocker Hamburger Helper Dinners (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 10/2 General Mill (Expires 11/26/11)
$0.75 each after couponGinger Evans Light Brown Sugar and Powdered Sugar (32 oz) – $1.69
Ginger Evans Deluxe Fudge Brownies (19.8 oz) – $1.59
Ginger Evans Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29
Gold Leaf 9 inch Pie Shell (10 oz) – $1.79
Bay Mist Splash Tropical or Berry Blend (64 oz) – $1.99
Morning Delight Toaster Pastries (22 oz) – $1.99
McDaniel’s Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $1.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Macy*s: $10 off $25 Printable Coupon (11/15 & 11/16)
Macy*s is having their Biggest One Day Sale of the Year!
They have a printable coupon for $10 off $25 purchase.
The coupon can be used on sale and clearance items.
The preview sale starts on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 and ends at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.
Limit one coupon per customer.
CVS: Spent $0.70 and $3 ECB’s Back
CVS Deals I went to CVS today to use up a couple ECB’s that were about to expire. I was able to get the items pictured above for $0.70 including tax and received $3.00 ECB’s to use on my next CVS purchase. The CVS didn’t have any of the items I was looking for in stock but they did price match the peanut butter for me and give me a ECB for it. I was able to stock up on their Halloween clearance snacks and candy. I have several upcoming events and parties that I have to put goody bags together for so it worked out really well. I was able to get my free CVS gift card worth $10.00 from a previous shopping trip. The only coupons I used today were ones from the ECB’s that were expiring today. I am thankful for an opportunity to get these items at such an amazing discount so we can share with others (my family will not be eating all this sugar)! 🙂
You can get great deals even without clipping a lot of coupons. My receipt shows that as of November 2nd I have saved over $1,700 at CVS this year so you can do it without investing a lot of time into it or being an extreme couponer that empties the shelves. Over time the savings add up and I have even taken several weeks off here and there while I have been busy or traveling or when our stock pile is full. All of the items I purchased were on sale or clearance. The candy was originally $3.99 each, but I was able to get it on clearance even though it is not expiring until late next year. Here is what I purchased this week.
- 2 – Skippy Peanut Butter for $5.00 ($2.50 each, they price matched this item and I received $3.00 ECB’s back making the peanut butter $1.00 per jar)
- 1 – $10 CVS Gift Card for $0.00 FREE! (used a $10.00 Gift Card ECB so this gift card was free)
- 2 – Butterfinger Fun Size (12.5 oz each) for $1.98 (on clearance for $0.99 each)
- 2 – Cookies N’ Cream (10 oz each) for $1.98 (on clearance for $0.99 each)
- 2 –Milky Way Simply Caramel (11 oz each) for $1.98 (on clearance for $0.99 each)
- 2 – Nestle Crunch (11.5 oz each) for $1.98 (on clearance for $0.99 each)
- 2 – Wonka Nerds (12 oz each) for $1.98 (on clearance for $0.99 each)
- 1 – Twizzler Strawberry Twists Fun Pack (22 oz) for $0.99
- 2 – Whoppers Snack Packs (9 oz each) for $1.50 (on clearance for $0.75 each)
- 1 – Nestle 100 Grands (12.5 oz) for $0.99
- 4 – Halloween Oreo Snack Packs (9 oz each) for $3.00 (on clearance for $0.75 each)
Here are the coupons I used on the items.
- Used $10.00 CVS ECB’s Gift Card Reward
- Used $20.00 CVS ECB’s
I received $3.00 ECB’s back today:
- $3.00 ECB’s for Jiffy Products (my local CVS substituted Skippy for me)
Today I was able to save $69.18 at CVS by purchasing these items and using coupons (over 95% savings).
When you shop the CVS sales regularly and have ECB’s that you can roll over toward future purchases the bonus ECB’s start adding up (Green Bag Tags and Beauty Club). As you can see from my shopping trip today you don’t have to purchase a lot to save money when shopping at CVS. Plus you can use the additional ECB’s you receive towards your next purchase. You can pick and chose what is best for your family.
I would love to hear your CVS shopping story for this week! For those of you who shop regularly at CVS please share how you were able to save this week! Although the weekly ad sales are similar every family and situation is different so you may have found items better suited to your household. In your comment please feel free to share a link to your blog article showing us how you were able to save shopping at CVS.
Travel & Vacation: Angel Oak Tree and other Family Adventures near Charleston, SC
Canopy of trees on the way to the Angel Oak Tree The girls and I ventured out a little ways to check out the Angel Oak Tree while Jake was working in Charleston one day. The picture above is the beautiful canopy of trees we saw on the bumpy country road that led to our amazing tree adventure that was recommended to us by my friend Janet.
Facts about the Angel Oak Tree In case you cannot read the sheet above here are some of the details – The Angel Oak Tree we visited is said to be between 300 to 400 years old, 65 feet tall, the circumference is 25.5 feet, area of shade 17,000 square feet and the largest limb is 11.25 feet in circumference and 89 feet long. It is located on John’s Island near Charleston, SC. Some people believe that the tree is over 1500 years old.
Angel Oak Tree near Charleston, South Carolina The Angel Oak Tree is massive, it was really hard to get a picture that truly shows it’s size. I took a few pictures from different angles but I couldn’t get the entire tree to fit in one picture. It was simply amazing to see such a huge tree.
Beautiful and huge Angel Oak Tree If you look closely you can see the supports helping hold up the limbs. The girls and I were nearly speechless at the size of the tree. We walked around it several times just in awe!
Brina inspecting the large carrot we picked out at a local Farmer's Market We stopped at this really neat local Farmers Market store on our way back from the Angel Oak Tree adventure. Their carrots were very BIG, the girls have never seen carrots that huge before (not sure I had either). They must have had some great soil for carrots. We picked out a large carrot and nibbled on it for a couple days (I didn’t think to weigh to but I am think it could have been over a pound).
Great quote the girls and I discovered along our adventures The girls love traveling with Jake and I on road trips. We are always on the look out for neat ideas or something interesting to share. Of course one of the areas we frequently visited in our travels were a variety of restrooms. Sometimes the girls were in dire need of a restroom by the time with found one. The girls wanted me to read this sign in the Farmers Market restroom, we all had a good laugh at it as we reminisced together of some times just in the last few months we felt like a minute was a very long time as we waited on the other side of the door.
Walking down one of the girls favorite piers. Some days the water is low and all the greenery is out of the water other days it is complete under water. Love the little “sand” trail that you can see under the water.
The guy fishing off the pier caught a little one! As we were walking down the pier we notice a guy fishing. We asked if he had caught anything yet and he showed us his catch of the morning. The girls thought it was such a cute little fish! They were very excited for him.
Daddy brought us a blue raspberry slushy. After a fun day at the park and pool Daddy brought his girls a blue raspberry slushy. It was amazing!
We had blue tongues after just a few minutes. The blue raspberry slushy made all of our tongues blue! I think the girls drink more of the slushy based off their tongue color, ha!
Cannon outside the hotel. The girls always hoped that our room was never in the line of fire. Thankfully our room never faced the cannon. The girls always loved looking at it!
After dinner we took a little walk together and found a pond with turtles. I am not sure how long we watched these turtles but it was a lot of fun. The girls were mesmerized by these cute little turtles. According to the girl there was a whole family of turtles (we did see quite a few).
Crashed on the pull out couch after a few minutes of chitchat about their "super fun" day We got back to the hotel, gave the girls baths and they spent a few minutes talking and giggling about their “super fun” day before crashing. They were exhausted but in good spirits. We really did pack a lot into one day!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Song: “Something Heavenly” by Sanctus Real
I heard this song again recently, the phrase that really stood out in my mind was “Whatever You’re doing inside of me it feels like chaos but somehow there’s peace.” A few weeks ago I posted a series on Loosening My Grip one that had been on my heart and mind for over a year (the post was started back in September 2010) but I finally after several months of going back and forth with God about posting it I decided that he knows better and may encourage someone who is going through a similar situation even though I felt like “chaos” was going on inside of me. The other phrase that caught my attention with this song was “You’re up to something bigger than me, Larger than life, something Heavenly”. His plans are much bigger than me and sometimes I may miss out on an opportunity he has for me because I want to be in control even though my life is the most effective when he is in control and is working through my life. Hope this song is a blessing to you as well, here’s a few lines of it:
Whatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there’s peace
It’s hard to surrender to what I can’t see
But I’m giving in to something HeavenlyTime for a milestone, time to begin again
Re-evaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills?
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything, I surrenderWhatever You’re doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You’re up to something bigger than me
Larger than life, something HeavenlyWhat’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
I am looking forward to doing some new recipes along with family favorites this week. Last weekend Jake and I made the Sunday meal together with the girls and this is the comment we got from Brina “I love every one of these recipes!” Karlie wanted to know if it was a new or old recipe. It goes to show that sometimes the easiest meals if done together as a family are the best (Ham, Mash Potatoes, and Green Beans). I am very grateful to have a family that enjoys some of the traditional family meals and for their willingness to try some new ones. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef Entree): Enchiladas, Spanish Rice
- Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree): Ham & Potato Au Gratin, Fresh Fruit Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken Entree): Honey Mustard Chicken, Fresh Garden Salad
- Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree): Vegetable Medley Bake
- 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
