It was wonderful having the kids home last week for Spring Break.  The week went by too fast, but we packed in a lot of fun too.  We celebrated Easter, squeezed in a great trip to Atlanta as a family, and did a lot more.  This week I am trying to get everything back in order, unpacked, and on schedule.  It won’t be long until we will be wrapping on the school year in a few weeks so I have a lot I want to get done before that hits.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Crockpot Roast, Mash Potatoes
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Bacon Wrapped Chicken, Steamed Rice
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Veggie Pasta Bake, Fresh Salad
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Broiled 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

The kids are on Spring Break this week so our normal schedule has been slightly altered.  We will be spending time together every day, but we have plenty of activities and fun events we want to fit into our week.  I have kept the menu fairly simple since my main focus is to spend my extra time with the family.  The girls are great pitching in and helping in the kitchen so I am sure we’ll have a great time with a more relaxed evening schedule.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Roast Beef, Green Beans
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hamburgers, Fresh Fruit
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Grilled Chicken, Steamed Veggies
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Salmon Filet, 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

Our family spent last week in Orlando, Florida.  My husband had a work conference the first part of the week, the girls and I went along with him.  We had a blast exploring the area while Jake attended his work meetings.  The girls and I went to one of the Disney parks, Animal Kingdom as well the Boardwalk, Downtown Disney, Miniature Golf, swimming, and roaming around while Jake was in his conference.  We got pretty good at figuring out how to get around with the various transportation systems from the buses, boats, and monorails. We only saw Jake in the mornings while we were getting ready and at the end of the day as the girls were getting ready for bed.  He had long days at the conference, but it was nice to spend a little time with him each day.

After Jake’s conference was out we spent the next 2 1/2 days exploring parks together as a family before heading home.  I am very thankful for a great opportunity to spend time together.  We were up by 6 am every morning and went strong until about midnight each day.  The girls were at the perfect age to carry their own backpacks and explore for a whole day.

We ate breakfast at the hotel, packed sandwiches and snacks for our lunches out and about, and we made supper at the hotel once we arrived back later that night.  The girls would take their showers while we prepped dinner, prepped for the next day, and crashed in bed.  It was a great week and we saved a lot by bringing our own meals to make and eat.  We only purchased one meal the entire week and that was at Epcot.  Jake did have some of his meals covered while in the conference, but otherwise everything we ate was from the food we brought to eat.  We stuck mostly to our menu plan from last week, but we switched around the order based on how tired we were at the end of the day and the amount of prep required.  We are now back to our regular school and work schedule this week.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Crockpot Roast Beef, Mash Potatoes & Gravy
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Chili Dogs, Green Beans
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Orange Chicken, Jasmine Rice
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Pasta Casserole, 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 is an extremely busy week so this weeks menu is all about simple meals.  The evenings are packed and we want to make sure we have plenty to time to eat healthy yet get everything done that needs our attention.  Thankful for a freezer with already prep meals to help get us through this week as well as a family who is okay with simple meals every once in awhile!  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree):  Taco Lasagna, Fresh Salad
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hotdogs, Green Beans
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Orange Chicken, 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

Last week was off schedule due to some ice, snow, and very low temperatures for South Carolina.  The girls never did go a full day of school last week.  They had partial days on Monday, Thursday, and Friday as well as off the full day on Tuesday and Wednesday.  It was nice having a little extra time with the girls at home.  Thankfully we never lost power especially since Jake was traveling for work and it was just us girls holding down the fort.  This week we are going to try and get back on our regular schedule.  We’ll see how it goes!  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree):  Lasagna, Fresh Garlic Bread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Homemade Pizza, Fresh Garden Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Pot Pie, Fresh Fruit
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Poor Man’s Pasts, 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

This week my menu planning will be a little bit different because my parents will be in town and we will be spending part of our week with extended family!  Yay!   It will be a busy week with school and all the other activities, but we are looking forward to having some fun with family.  The menu will be simple the first part of the week so we will have time to get activities done before spending time with our extended family.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree):  Taco Lasagna, Garlic Bread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Homemade Pizza, Fresh Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Leftover Buffet (Clean Out the Fridge Before Guests Arrive)
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  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 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

Our family is recovering from a week with several family members being sick therefore we had to alter the menu a little more than usual last week.  This week I plan to keep the menu simple.  I want to be able to give everyone a chance to recovery yet time to catch up on items that we got behind on around the house.  Thankfully everyone seems to be on the mend.  Hoping for a healthy and productive week.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree):  Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hamburgers, Tator Tots
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken & Biscuits, Steamed Vegetables
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Poor Man’s Pasta, Fresh 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