Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
At the beginning of last week I was in Kansas visiting family so I wasn’t able to get caught up on my weekly goals list, but I am back home now and have hit the ground running again. There is a lot going on day to day for all members of the family and it takes extra thought as well as organization to stay (or attempt to stay) on top of the activities around the house. Thankful for a family that pitches in to help. All of us enjoy working outside too. When we get in gear and start working on projects around the house and yard we can get quite a bit accomplished. The girls are a huge help and blessing. The animals are usually wiped out after them being home a little bit more over the weekend with all the TLC they get. They are great about feeding, combing, cleaning up after, and playing with their pets too. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids – there was not extra time to get this finished, hoping to get through the rest of the book soon
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – wasn’t home all week and didn’t have time most evenings to go through these
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids. – didn’t get these done this week
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night. – every night while I was home I did, but there were a couple nights while I was away that they were in bed before I talked with Jake
Plan one special activity with the family– Pumpkin Carving & Family Halloween Celebration NightPlay a Game with the KidsSpend Quality time with each family memberCoordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities- Figure out the Remaining 2016 Quarter PTO & Holiday Schedules (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc….) – working on it
Coordinate pick up & drop off at airport in KSPack for Trip to KS to Celebrate my Dad & Niece’s BirthdaysSpend quality time with Extended FamilyPlan Family Halloween Celebration
Kid Goals
Do Homework Monday – FridayPack Lunches and Prep for the next day- Spend one-on-one time with kids each day (in person or on phone / hangouts when traveling) – did when I was home, but only did IM & Texts while traveling
Attend Robotics, Tailgating Student Council Party, Diggers, and Other After School Activities- A
ppointments - Schedule & Meet for Jake & I to have a 1-on-1 Discussion time with each kid – did it the one weekend, but last weekend we did not because I was not home
- Pick a Date Night for the Kids – going over our schedule, did a family night, now to plan another date night!
Prep in advance Homework, Review, Permissions & other School Items prior to traveling
Personal Goals
Drink 8+ glasses of water- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – didn’t get 10,000 steps everyday
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week – was not consistent when traveling
Appointment(s)Get full nights rest & take immune boosting vitamins so don’t pick up any traveling sicknesses
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
Household Cleaning / Organization – Maintain and CleanPlan out the Menu for the WeekOutside Project – Remove Fallen Tree & Fix Goat Fence- Update Project List – need to review & update again
Add any new contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendarConfirm October Family and Individual Calendar(s)- Follow up on calls and items that need my attention following traveling – have a few more calls/emails to follow up on
Business Goals
- Get caught up on blog posts – running a little bit behind, but hoping to get some headway this week
- Work on a few special projects – made some progress on a couple projects but didn’t really complete anything big
- Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options – looking at some options
Ministry Goals
Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friendCounting my blessings journalBe a blessing to someone specific- Let Lindsey know that I will not be able to attend Ladies Bible Study this week – let Linda know at church the week before that I would be traveling
- Read next chapter in Biblical Femininity (2nd edition) by Chrystie Cole –need to finish the book
Financial Goals
Pick up groceries & run errands for family prior to travelingPay all our bills that have arrived this week- Follow up with the Bank regarding a couple of incorrect charges – need to call Bank about couple of items
- Update Quicken Accounts – working on it, most accounts updated now
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – getting the dates confirmed
- Get our finances and budget back on track – had a few extra non-regular expenses this week
- Pay down debt we owe – made another extra payment this week
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – went over the budget amount this week
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Spend Quality time with each family member
- Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities
- Figure out the Remaining 2016 Quarter PTO & Holiday Schedules (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc….)
- Family Halloween Celebration
- Start Planning Thanksgiving & Christmas Schedules
- Christmas List Ideas for Family Members
Kid Goals
- Do Homework Monday – Friday
- Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
- Spend one-on-one time with kids each day (in person or on phone / hangouts when traveling)
- Attend Robotics, Student Council, Diggers, and Other After School Activities
- Appointments
- Schedule & Meet for Jake & I to have a 1-on-1 Discussion time with each kid
- Pick a Date Night for the Kids
- Review & Study for upcoming Tests, Homework, Projects, & other School Items for the week
- Pay for November Homework Center & After School Activities
Personal Goals
- Drink 8+ glasses of water
- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
- Appointment(s)
- Read regularly for at least 15 minutes each evening
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Household Cleaning / Organization – Summer Clothes put away & Winter Clothes put in closet / dresser
- Plan out the Menu for the Week
- Outside Project – Blow Leaves
- Update Project List
- Add any new contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendar
- Confirm November Family and Individual Calendar(s)
- Follow up on calls and items that need my attention
- Download all pictures from latest trip to Kansas, Karlie’s 1st Orchestra Concert, Halloween Celebration, & other Recent Events
Business Goals
- Get caught up on blog posts
- Work on a few special projects
- Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options
- Start planning Holiday events
Ministry Goals
- Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
- Counting my blessings journal
- Be a blessing to someone specific
- Ladies Bible Study Social Dinner this week
- Read the rest of Biblical Femininity (2nd edition) by Chrystie Cole
- Initiate B.L.E.S.S. activity at work and do it personally with kids the month of November
Financial Goals
- Pay all our bills that have arrived this week
- Follow up with the Bank regarding a couple of incorrect charges
- Update Quicken Accounts
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
- Get our finances and budget back on track
- Pay down debt we owe
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)
- Pay November Monthly Bills
- Plan out budget for upcoming Holiday Celebrations & Events
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared
it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
Stop Being Afraid …
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Thankful for an opportunity to go back to Kansas for a longer weekend to celebrate my Dad and Niece’s Birthdays. I was able to catch up with a lot of family while back in Kansas. It was nice to have that time with family. Grateful for Jake taking care of the girls when I was away visiting family and celebrating. My flights went smoothly and I arrived safely.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful for a job that takes the time to celebrate the special events. Today all the staff brought in food to share and celebrate Boss’s Day, we had a lot of delicious food! Grateful for an opportunity to work on a team with great leaders.
Tuesday – Thankful that the girls were able to have fun after school at their Volleyball Tailgating Party. They went to the tailgating party – played games, ate dinner, and socialized with friends before going to cheer for their friends and team at the game that evening.
Wednesday – Thankful for the girls opportunity to participate in the school’s Diggers Club. They have been working hard selling pumpkins, weeding the school gardens and grounds, putting out mulch, working in the greenhouse, and more fun activities with the club. It is a good place to learn more about serving in their school and community as well as how to grow and maintain various grounds, plants, and more!
Thursday – Thankful for being able to fly out to Kansas to spend a long weekend with my parents. Grateful for Jake picking up the extra kid and household duties while I was away. My airplane flights went smoothly without too many delays and thankful for my Mom driving all the way to Wichita to pick me up at the airport. It was nice seeing her and spending some time on the drive back to my parents house to catch up a little bit.
Friday – Thankful for time in Kansas to spend with family. Was able to spend time with my parents, both sets of grandparents, my siblings, 6 month old niece, and more family while getting some items done with my Mom around the house.
Saturday – Thankful that I was able to be back in Kansas to celebrate my Dad’s 60th Birthday and my niece Annaliese’s 1st Birthday. They had a wonderful turnout of family and friends. It was great seeing so many family and friends over the evening during the birthday celebrate. My sister in law and brother did a lot of prep work to get ready for the party and it turned out awesome.
Sunday – Thankful for a chance to attend my parents church. It was Pastor Karg’s and his family’s last day at the church and it was good to see them, wish them well in their new adventure, and enjoy playing games & celebrating at their Goodbye Party. Was able to eat a nice lunch with my grandparents which was good to see them more and catch up a little bit more over the meal.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
Trust Your Crazy …
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a fun week with the girls having Monday off from school, we got to play a little more that evening since we didn’t have a bunch of homework we had to wrap up that evening. There were several evening activities this week which made juggling homework, dinner, baths, and everything else a little more tricky, but everyone did well and it helped a ton to have the dinner menu prepped the night before so everything was ready to go once everyone was home in the evenings. Thankful for a husband who pitches in and helps out around the house.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful that Jake was able to work from home so he could be with the girls, that the girls had a grand time playing outside on their day off (and even got some chores done around the house & yard). We even had a few minutes relaxing – Brina & I played a game (which somehow included jumping jacks, squats, and other activities per Brina’s additions) while Jake and Karlie worked on putting together a model airplane. It was amazing walking into the house after work to the smell of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen, grateful that Jake is willing to cook and makes amazing meals! I am truly blessed!
Tuesday – Thankful for a little bit of extra time at work to tackle some projects since the girls had an after school Student Council volunteer activity today, even finished up some big reports that I had been working on the past several days which felt good!
Wednesday – Thankful for a husband who encourages, it was a tough day and I wasn’t feel well. Grateful for a spouse that loves me even when I am not at my best.
Thursday – Thankful that the girls enjoy their after school activities and are doing well keeping up with their schoolwork. It has been a busy year with a lot of new items for them, but they have handled it very well.
Friday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time away with Jake! 🙂 We got a couple massages and grabbed a bite to eat.
Saturday – Thankful for my f,family, time spent together, and that Jake & I were able to get our annual wellness physicals done with our doctor on Saturday.
Sunday – Thankful for my Dad and that he is celebrating his 60th birthday today. Also, grateful that I have the opportunity to celebrate with him next weekend. I am blessed with a great husband too – I have been fighting a cold the past few days and he went out to run an errand for me (and brought back some snack goodies for my upcoming trip)! Thanks Babe!
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Thankful for a weekend with family and an opportunity to rest a little. Jake and I have been fighting a cold, but starting to feel a little better now. We are gearing up for a super busy week at school, work, and other activities. As we try to keep everyone on schedule and healthy we are planning a simple, easy yet healthy menu for the upcoming week. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Cube Steak, Steamed Broccoli
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): Stuffed Acorn, Soup
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Grilled Chicken, Pasta Casserole
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Crockpot Pork Loin, Stoneground Wheat Bread
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree 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
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
The week started off with the Columbus Holiday on Monday and the girls off school for Teachers Professional Training Day. They had a blast spending time at home, playing outside, and enjoying their day off school. We participated in a fun activity that evening instead of cramming in homework. Jake got the more relaxing….put the model airplane together activity and I got the play a game with added instructions such as jumping jacks, stretches, squats and more (it has been awhile since I have done that many jumping jacks)! Thankful for an opportunity to live life with my family. Some weeks seem really busy when you look at the schedule and all that needs to be done, however, taking those extra minutes here and there to relax and play always brightens our day and creates memories together! Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids
Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a Game with the Kids– American Kennel Club DVD Board GameSpend Quality time with each family memberCoordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities- Figure out the Remaining 2016 PTO & Holiday Schedules (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc….) – figuring it out
Kid Goals
Do Homework Monday – FridayPack Lunches and Prep for the next daySpend one-on-one time with kids each dayAttend Robotics, Diggers, and Other After School ActivitiesAppointments- Schedule & Meet to have 1-on-1 Discussion time with each kid (discuss week, what’s going well, what needs improvement, and focus on each kid as an individual without the sibling being in the room)
- Pick a Date Night for the Kids
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – wasn’t able to hit my goal every day
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week – it was a tough week with yoga
Appointment(s)- Massage, Annual physical
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
Household Cleaning / Organization – Plan Out Organizational Goals for last quarter of 2016Plan out the Menu for the WeekOutside Project – Tree Service QuoteUpdate Project ListAdd any new contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendarConfirm October Family and Individual Calendar(s)- Follow up on calls and items that need my attention – did some, but have a few more to go
Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
Business Goals
Update Work Notes- Get caught up on blog posts – hoping to make more headway this upcoming week
Work on a few special projectsResearch a couple of items in regards to the blog- Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options – been hard enough to get the “normal” day to day items accomplished
Ministry Goals
Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friendCounting my blessings journalAttend Ladies Bible StudyRead next chapter in Biblical Femininity by Chrystie Cole
Financial Goals
Pay all our bills that have arrived this week- Follow up with the Bank regarding a couple of incorrect charges – trying to figure these out
Start gathering information on last quarter 2016 finances and 1st quarter 2017 taxes – realign goals where neededUpdate Quicken Accounts- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – work in progress
- Get our finances and budget back on track – getting better
Pay down debt we owe– made another payment- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Spend Quality time with each family member
- Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities
- Figure out the Remaining 2016 Quarter PTO & Holiday Schedules (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc….)
- Coordinate pick up & drop off at airport in KS
- Pack for Trip to KS to Celebrate my Dad & Niece’s Birthdays
- Spend quality time with Extended Family
- Plan Family Halloween Celebration
Kid Goals
- Do Homework Monday – Friday
- Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
- Spend one-on-one time with kids each day (in person or on phone / hangouts when traveling)
- Attend Robotics, Tailgating Student Council Party, Diggers, and Other After School Activities
- Appointments
- Schedule & Meet for Jake & I to have a 1-on-1 Discussion time with each kid
- Pick a Date Night for the Kids
- Prep in advance Homework, Review, Permissions & other School Items prior to traveling
Personal Goals
- Drink 8+ glasses of water
- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
- Appointment(s)
- Get full nights rest & take immune boosting vitamins so don’t pick up any traveling sicknesses
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Household Cleaning / Organization – Maintain and Clean
- Plan out the Menu for the Week
- Outside Project – Remove Fallen Tree & Fix Goat Fence
- Update Project List
- Add any new contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendar
- Confirm October Family and Individual Calendar(s)
- Follow up on calls and items that need my attention following traveling
Business Goals
- Get caught up on blog posts
- Work on a few special projects
- Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options
Ministry Goals
- Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
- Counting my blessings journal
- Be a blessing to someone specific
- Let Lindsey know that I will not be able to attend Ladies Bible Study this week
- Read next chapter in Biblical Femininity (2nd edition) by Chrystie Cole
Financial Goals
- Pick up groceries & run errands for family prior to traveling
- Pay all our bills that have arrived this week
- Follow up with the Bank regarding a couple of incorrect charges
- Update Quicken Accounts
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
- Get our finances and budget back on track
- Pay down debt we owe
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared
it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results
Help Each Other …
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a wild week full of a lot of emotion. Some co-workers and friends live near Charleston. Thankful that Hurricane Matthew did let us a little bit so it wouldn’t do any more damage. A lot of people will be cleaning up for awhile after it’s visit. Our hearts go out to the families that lost loved ones, homes, and businesses as it went through. It was really strange looking at pictures of flooded streets and places we have visited some many times like Battery Park and downtown Charleston. Despite all the weather this past week there was a lot to be thankful for during our week. You don’t have to look very far to find good in the world around you. Blessed and thankful!
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.
Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday –Thankful that I get to pick the girls up from school and hear about their days at school as well as their adventures after school.
Tuesday – Thankful that the girls are working hard on their homework projects at school. Some evenings some longer when we are trying to get it all done, but for the most part they have a great attitudes about everything they have to do.
Wednesday – Thankful for a co-worker who willingly pitched in to help on a couple of items at work since my week was very busy.
Thursday – Thankful for Jake taking care of the girls, finishing dinner, homework, and other normal evening activities so I can go to to Ladies Bible Study
Friday – Thankful that the girls had a fun movie night at school and for a chance to go out on a date night with my Man!
Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to rest for a little bit. Grateful for answered prayers that Hurricane Matthew slowed down more, it was already devastating enough, but grateful that it wasn’t any worse. A lot of people, homes, and businesses were impacted by it.
Sunday – Thankful for a place to worship and learn more. Grateful that the girls have a chance to meet with kids their age and learn too.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
Thankful that the kids get an extra day on their weekend. It is always nice to have them around a little bit more. They worked on some of their school projects over the weekend so they would be prepared for the week. They have a busy week during and after school with their clubs as well as extra volunteer activities. Somehow they have packed their schedules pretty full, but they are enjoying meeting a variety of people and participating the activities. Jake and I have a busy week at work. Jake has a bunch of extra co-workers in Greenville office with Hurricane Matthew coming through Charleston this past weekend. Thankful it wasn’t any worse than it was. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Pasta Twists & Beef Casserole
- Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree): 3 Bean Chili & Wild Rice
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Cheddar Applewood Chicken & Lo Mein
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Mesquite Pork & Stoneground Wheat Bread
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree 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
