Thankfully, the girls get an extra day at home this week with the Martin Luther King Jr.   Yay!  The kids always enjoy an extra long weekend and they earned it with a full Saturday at STEM competition.  This week will be packed with a lot of school, work, and other activities.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree):  Lasagna, Garlic Bread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Beef Burritos, Fresh Vegetables
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Pot Pie, Lettuce Salad
• 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

We are getting back into the school routine again and are running full throttle!  The house was too quiet with the kids at school so I was thankful for a very busy week with a full schedule.  This week will be another busy one.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree):  Shepherd’s Pie, Lettuce Salad
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hotdogs, Fresh Fruit
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Orange Crockpot Chicken, Garlic Bread
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Poor Man’s Pasta, 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 so much fun spending time with the family over the Holidays.  We have been enjoying extra time together playing, cooking, and doing a variety of Christmas activities.  It has been a week of great food as well as several extra treats.  This week we will be doing more traditional meals as we wrap up our final week of Christmas break.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

Our Weekly Menu Plan

• Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Green Bean Tator Tot Casserole, Artisan Bread
• Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Homemade Pizza, Fresh Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Honey Mustard Chicken, Steamed Rice
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Salmon Steaks, Steamed Broccoli
  
• 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 officially on their Christmas Holiday break – WooHoo!  Love getting to spend extra time with them!  We have a lot of fun activities planned and of course celebrating family Christmas this week.  It is hard to believe that 2014 is already wrapping up, but thankful for the many blessings this year.  I have the menu planned for this week, however, I am going to be somewhat flexible depending how I am feeling and if there are any last minute activities that change the schedule.  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):  Hot Dogs, Fresh Salad
• Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Fajitas, Fresh Vegetables
• Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Spiraled Honey Ham, Green Bean Casserole
  
• 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

You may notice that this weeks menu looks a lot like last week?  Yes, it is actually identical!  Well, there is a reason for that….I pretty much had to scrap my plans and menu for last week due to the epidural steroid shot in my neck last week taking a much greater toll on me than I originally thought it would.  I was under the disillusion that I would bounce back rather quickly from the treatment, ha!  Lesson learned!

Thankful for Jake, the girls, family, and friends who stepped up and pitched in to help throughout the week.  Your thoughts, prayers, messages, visits, meals, flowers, and everything have been a tremendous blessing to our family.  With that being said I hope (and pray) that this week will be more “normal” whatever that means anymore.  We are going to attempt to repeat last week’s menu and actually eat the food that I planned 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

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