Last week was busy with all the extra doctors appointment, but thanks to the help of my family we got through all the activities that needed to be accomplished.  I have quite of few appointments and other after school activities again this week as well.  Although the girls have both Monday and Tuesday off of school so I am looking forward to spending some extra time with them.  I plan on doing at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1 Meal” (make one to eat that night and freeze one to eat at a later date) this week.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Shepherds Pie, Fresh Salad (Make 1 & Freeze 1 Meal)
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Homemade Pizza, Fruit Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Curry, Naan, Steamed Rice
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Baked Tilapia, 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 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

It has been a wild month.  I am back in town earlier than expected so decided I need to get our dinner menu planned for the busy week ahead.  It is my goal to start doing at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1 Meal” every week (make one to eat that night and freeze one to eat at a later date).  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Taco Lasagna, Fresh Fruit (Make 1 & Freeze 1 Meal)
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hot Dogs, Baked Beans
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Salad, Fresh Vegetables
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage, Homemade Italian Herb 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 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

There is a lot going on this week.  I am hoping to keep the dinner menu simple and easy.  Also, there are a couple meals this week I want to duplicate so we can stock up the freezer for those nights in the future when we will not be able to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  I call it my “make 1 – freeze 1” meals.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Roast, Mash Potatoes
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Pizza, Salad (Make 1 Pizza Dough & Freeze 1)
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Pot Pie, Fresh Fruit (Make 1 Chicken Pot Pie & Freeze 1)
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree): Pork Chops, 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 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

We have a busy week coming up as well as hosting some guests.   I am going to try and keep the menu simple with all the school, work, and other activities that will be going on this week.  Most of the meals will have to be prepped earlier in the day in order to make efficient use of our packed evenings, but I think we can make it happen.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Beef Minestrone Soup, Fresh Vegetables
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Spaghetti, Fresh Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Special Event
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Pork Loin, 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 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

We made it through a busy week last week.  This week is starting out a little different since the girls get today, Monday off school with a Teachers In Service.  It has been nice having them home for an extra day this weekend.  We went through all their Fall and Winter clothes to see what still fits.  It always surprises me how much they grow from year to year.  Last week Jake was traveling for work and a couple of us were fighting colds so it was a little more exhausting.  Hopefully this week everyone will be well and we’ll get back on trip with everything.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Spaghetti, Garlic Bread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Tilapia, Steamed Vegetables
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Southwest Chicken Quesadillas, Fresh Vegetables
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Pasta Casserole, Fresh 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 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 hard to believe another week is already upon us.  My husband and I were going over our budget this month and decided that the multiple “little” grocery store trips were pushing us over budget so I am going try to do only one grocery stop a week.  The once a week grocery trip will include any household or health and beauty items.  Also, we have items in our pantry and freezer we need to use up as well.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Chili, Cornbread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Pizza, Fresh Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Breakfast for Dinner – Pancakes, Fresh Fruit
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Special Event – STEM Club Welcome Meeting & Other Activities
  
• 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 week ahead of us is looking pretty busy with a few extra activities tacked onto an already crazy schedule.  As we were looking at our schedule this week my husband suggested that I do easy and simple meals this week.  Thankful for a husband who is understanding and willing to be a little flexible with the family dinner.  These meals will help us cut back on our food budget and make it easier to prep with everything that is going on during the week.  While the menu is not overly exciting it keeps us fed during a busy time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Poor Man’s Pasta, Fresh Fruit (we are altering our normal weekly beef/seafood night)
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Pizza, Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Steamed Rice, Vegetables
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Leftovers
  
• 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

It has been awhile since I posted our family menu schedule on the blog.  This summer the only week we were home for an entire week was when Jake’s sister and family were visiting us.  Thankfully, we had a great summer and safety as we traveled to see a lot of family and friends.  We are now back into the school routine schedule so it is essential that I start doing the menu planning regularly.  By the time the kids get out of school and we do any after school activities, tutoring, homework, dinner, baths, lunches packed, etc…. our evening is done and it’s time for bed.  Since homework takes a chunk of the afternoon and evenings I need to make sure I know what our menu is going to be so I can prep, plan, organize, and have everything ready to run as efficiently as possible so everyone is fed and in bed on time.

I am extremely grateful for a husband who pitches in and helps in the kitchen, there were a couple nights this past week that we were still doing homework when he arrived home from work so he put the finishing touches on the dinner so I could help the kids wrap up homework.  Thanks Handsome!!!  Eating our evening meal together is important to us.   We want to be able to relax and catch up with each other once dinner is served.   Since Monday is a Holiday I will be moving our Beef night to Tuesday and giving the girls a week off from cooking until we get the school schedule down.  Plus, the kids pitched in and helped with meals as well as special cooking this past weekend.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree): Special Event – Labor Day Holiday
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Lasagna, Homemade Artisan Bread
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Honey Mustard Chicken, Rice
• Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Special Event – Family STEM Night at School – Hotdogs, Leafy 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 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