• What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Grateful for a weekend together.  The kids were super excited to have some snow to play in this weekend too!   Thankful for a great time with the family.  With everything going on this week I want to keep our schedule as streamlined and simple as possible.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Crockpot Roast, Baked Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Tilapia, Steamed Asparagus
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Chicken & Rice Casserole, Mixed Veggies
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Pork Chops, Stuffing
    • 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankful for a weekend with family and an opportunity to catch up on laundry as well as some other items around the house.  Our family celebrated Halloween over the weekend by carving pumpkins, eating a special meal, and hanging out together for a fun family night.  As we gear up for another busy week of school, work, appointments, and a multitude of other activities going on I want to keep the dinner menu easy and efficient for everyone.

    By the time we get home from work and school,  activities, do homework, pack lunches for the next day, prep for the next day, shower, and spend a little time together there is not much time for elaborate meals at home.  Thankfully we can have more fancy time consuming meals over the weekend when our schedule is a little bit more flexible.  As long as I prep the night before everything will be ready to go in the evening once the crew arrives home.  We try not to eat out very often and to make healthy meals at home, however, in order to do it we need to plan and prep ahead of time.  Grateful for my crockpot and other kitchen tools that assist in making home-cooked meals at home with the family possible even with a busy schedule.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Cube Steak, Steamed Vegetables
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Seafood Tacos, Black Beans
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Grilled Mustard Chicken, Tagiatelle Pasta
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Mesquite Pork Loin, Apple Slices
    • 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

  • 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We are starting to establish more of a school and work routine.  I would be lying if I said everything has gone completely smoothly, ha!  A couple of nights this past week after a full day at work, picking up the kids so we can do homework, dinner, get everyone settled into bed, I was exhausted and ready to go to bed as well.  Typically, I am good staying up late and love getting up early, but with the transition I have had to go to bed around 9 or 10 at night (for those who know me that is early)!

    Thankfully we are getting settled into the routine.  I think this week will be easier now.  This week I have some special events going on and I need to utilize the items in my pantry.  Trying to keep it healthy, yet simple since several nights we are tighter on time.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef, Tomato and Noodle Soup, French Bread
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):   Baja Fish Tacos, Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, Steamed Rice
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): BLT Sandwiches, Pasta 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 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    It has been a whirlwind of activities around our house this past week with getting back from Alaska, work, transitioning the kids to a new school, friends visiting, and a large amount of other fun activities going on.  Thankful to be back home again and getting started on a more consistently (and somewhat) normal school again.

    Since this week we have a mix of activities on the agenda including school and work we’ll make it simple and easy.  I based our menu off some items that we need to use up from our pantry.   Hopefully once we get into our new regular routine I will be able to catch up on more long term projects around the house and yard again.  Our menu is going to be simple and easy.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):   Homemade Individual Pizzas, Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Chicken Vindaloo, Homemade Naan Bread
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Pork & Vegetable Stir Fry, Udon Noodles
    • 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://i0.wp.com/blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg?w=960&ssl=1

    This week will have a mix of special events on the schedule for us to attend.  Thankful for opportunity to spend some time with the family and a chance to participate in some fun activities this week.  The rest of the week will be simple meals because it will be busy at work, home, and other activities.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Special Event
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree)Special Event
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Vegetarian Pasta Casserole, Steamed Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Individual Homemade Pizzas, 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 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://i0.wp.com/blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg?w=960&ssl=1

    This week will be a little wild with some extra craziness adding into it so we are keeping the menu super simple.  The girls will be assisting with a lot of the meals since we have a good bit going on with work, camp, and items that need to be accomplished at home this week.  Thankful that they are getting old enough to pitch in and are a huge help around the house (and in the kitchen cooking) more all the time.  We are blessed with seeing their talents and skills continue to grow.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Grilled Hamburgers, Baked French Fries
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Tuna Fish Sandwiches, Leafy Green Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Fingers, Fresh Fruit Salad
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Hotdogs, Baked Beans
    • 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://i0.wp.com/blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg?w=960&ssl=1

    There is a lot of fun activities coming up this week.  We want to make sure our menu plan is easy, quick, healthy, and practical.  Thankfully the girls are getting to the age where they can pitch in and help or at times put together the meal on their own.  They are still a little timid around boiling water and a piping hot grill, but I am okay with that because I would much rather that they ask me or Jake for help then to get hurt.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Spaghetti & Noodles, Garlic Bread
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Salmon, Steamed Vegetables
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Mustard Chicken, Salad
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Grilled Pork Chops, Grilled 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 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://i0.wp.com/blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg?w=960&ssl=1

    Thankful for extra time with family.  It was a week with a little bit of an adjustment with the girls on the summer camp schedule.   They had a blast.  This week is going be another fun adventure for them.  Thankful for the opportunity to spend extra time with the girls during the summer schedule.  While they are in camp I will be at work so we can have time after work and camp.  I want to keep our menu fairly simple and easy not only to save time, but to not heat up the house too much.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Holiday Event
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Baja Fish Tacos, Fresh Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Sweet & Spicy Teriyaki Chicken, Steamed Rice
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Seasoned Pork, Grilled Summer Squash
    • 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

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://i0.wp.com/blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg?w=960&ssl=1

    Thankful for extra time with family and friends.  It was a whirlwind of work and various activities when we arrived back home.  The girls were a big help with unpacking.  I anticipate this week to be full but good!  The girls have summer camp and Jake and I have work.  Hopefully, we’ll be back into a routine and rhythm very soon!  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Cube Steak, Baked Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Pita Pockets, Fresh Salad  
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Fried Chicken, Steamed Veggies
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Hot Dogs, Fruit 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 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