Menus

I've been using Emealz!

It's wonderful!  Only $5 a month and they write out a meal plan for you.

And it includes an easy to follow grocery list!  And the meals are numbered with the list, so if there's a meal you don't want, it's easy to cross that item off of your grocery list.  Ta-Da!  I don't know why, but meal planning just seems so much easier when someone tells me what to do.  LOL

This week, I'm incorporating a bit of Emealz with a few of my family's favorites.  So I guess I don't totally listen to what to do. *smile*

So here's my meal plan:

Tonight:  Family Game Night (I'm so proud of myself for actually doing this!), so frozen pizza

Saturday:  Spaghetti and crescent rolls

Sunday: Cheaters Italian Calzones (emealz)

Monday: Balsamic Pork Chops, Baked Potates, Veggies (emealz)

Tuesday:  Carey's Chili

Wednesday:  Great Gravy Chicken, Rice, Veggies, Cinnamon Pears (emealz)

Thursday:  THANKSGIVING!

Friday: Out for my fabulous great-nephews birthday!

Saturday/Sunday:  Leftovers!

And GUESS WHAT?  I actually get credit if you start the emealz program by going through this link, or the links above.   No pressure.  But if it interests you, I'd love it if you'd use my link.

Menus

Why do I postpone/procrastinate/delay making menus?

I don't think I made one for the whole month of May!  And May is a crazy busy month.  Not the brightest idea I've ever had...delaying menu planning.  But I dread doing it.  Ok, dread is a strong word.  I get this "ugg" feeling in my guy and my lip curls up.  I think it's because that "what's for supper?" thinking is multiplied by seven or more.  Ugg.  HOWEVER, you know--and I know--that day to day life is much easier when you menu plan!

So suck it up, Carey, and get to planning! And thanks, Niki, for the reminder to get it done!

Thurs, May 26:  Spaghetti and garlic bread

Fri, May 27:  Graduation party, we'll eat there!

Sat, May 28: Beef Stroganoff w/ whole wheat noodles and veggies

Sun, May 29:  Someone's 38th birthday and she's not cookin'!

Mon, May 30:  Memorial Day! Grilled Hamburgers, Chips, Fresh Fruit

Tues, May 31: Stoffers Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Veggies

Wed, June 1: Dance rehearsal Marathon, Take Out

Thurs, June 2: Dance Rehearsal & Ball, Pizza Fundraiser at Rehearsal!

Fri, June 3:  Dance Recital! Haystack Supper (eat at 5 pm!!)

Sat, June 4:  Dance Recital!  Pizza Fundraiser at Rehearsal!!

Sun, June 5:  Potluck at Church, but I'm thinking we won't go cuz I won't have time to cook on Saturday! Bummer. So, Brats/Hot Dogs on the grill

Mon, June 6:  Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Veggies

Tuesday, June 7:  We're gonna try Potato Nachos.   (Maybe sneak in a few sweet potatoes.  Shhh.....)


 Whew!  Ok, that was work.  Cuz I also organized dance rehearsal schedule into my Cozi calendar at the same time.  I'd much rather be outside on the beautiful day!  But alas, this needed to be done.  You may notice that we aren't eating so healthy dance week.  Cuz it's nuts.  Take our family times, I don't know, a lot nuts.  I think I'm gonna have to put together a binder for the weekend.  Fast and convenient is what we need for food.  We'll be healthier the next week!  I was quite excited to see they are having a fundraiser a couple nights for a local charity with pizza.  Supper solved!  Especially on Saturday, when there's not much time between the matinee and the evening show.

Also,  Friday is the last day of school!  Yippee!  or Bummer.  Whatever your mindset.  *smile*  That means I'll have to cook more at lunch (WHAT?!?  They think they need to eat then, too?!?).  During the school year it's been mostly Summer, Jaden and myself.  Oftentimes there are enough leftovers for us, or for the little ones and a salad for me.  But after tomorrow, that won't be the case!  So I jotted down some lunch ideas for my arsenal (I would love any suggestions for this!).


Whole Wheat Pancakes
Sandwich roll-ups
Grilled Cheese
Ham sandwiches
Hard boiled eggs
Hamburger Helper Casserole
Mac n cheese
Homemade "Lunchables"
Creamed Chicken Sandwiches

Menus

Ok, a website that I truly enjoy gave a assignment to make a meal plan.

I've been slacking!

So here it is!

Oh, and go check out the website...you might enjoy it! And...you might get some small thing done as well!

I actually made it a few days ago, but to give you ideas, I've included those days as well.

Tues, Jan 4:  Tacos & the fixins, Spanish Rice

Wed, Jan 5: Taverns (sloppy joes for those not in our area), carrots & grapes

Thurs, Jan 6: Potato Soup & Garlic Bread-sticks (one of my FAVs! Not everyone in the family likes potato soup, but sometimes Momma gets to pick!)

Fri, Jan 7:  Eat out to celebrate Ethiopian Christmas!  Hopefully to our favorite Ethiopian restaurant if the weather holds.  If not, we'll probably eat Mexican in town. (now that's funny!)

Sat, Jan 8:  Carey's Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Veggies

Sun, Jan 9:  Lunch:  Creamed Chicken Sandwiches, carrots, chips
                  Supper:  Pizza & a movie at home

Mon, Jan 10:  Mom's going out with the girls!  Kids will have mac n cheese (their fav!)

Tues, Jan 11: Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry

Wed., Jan 12:  Bone-in-Ham & Scalloped Potatoes

Thurs, Jan 13: Stouffer's Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Veggies

Fri, Jan 14: Crock Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies

Sat, Jan 15:  Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Veggies

Sun, Jan 16:  Lunch: Tator Tot Casserole
        Supper: Pizza

Mon, Jan 17:  Mongolian Beef & Rice

Tues, Jan 18: Shepherds Pie, Veggies

Wed, Jan 19: Cherry Chicken, Rice, Veggies

Thurs, Jan 20: Chili

Fri, Jan 21:  Mom's Going out AGAIN! Pizza with Dad

Sat, Jan 22:  Spaghetti & Garlic Bread

Menu...Thursday?

Ok, my menu planning timing seems to have no rhyme or reason. ha!

But I was reminded yesterday that routine can be very important for kids, especially those who have had disruptions in their lives. And with Brandy gone most of the time these days, I've been slacking in the supper department. Grab n go something super easy and we don't all sit down together. PLUS, a bout with Momma and two of the kids having a nasty stomach bug proved that having a plan would have been a nice thing (kudos to little Momma Svanna for taking over for a couple hours!).  So...once again, back to the drawing board even though its NOT one of my fav things to do.

Friday:  School Soup Supper...I'm privileged to work at it, so I  might as well take the night off of cooking, right?  (However, keeping 7 kids in line with a crowd of people isn't as easy as it sounds...it might have been easier to cook!)


Saturday:  Stouffer's Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Veggies {Don't judge me...it's still a sit down meal! =) Plus, I can feed my whole family for like 10 bucks}

Sunday Lunch:  Creamed Chicken Sandwiches, fruit, chips (I have to make the chicken for the soup supper, might as well make extra for us, right?)

Sunday Supper:  Pizza and a movie! (carpet picnic at home)

Monday:  Haystack Supper, carrots & broccoli with dip

Tuesday:  Crock Pot Stroganoff with whole wheat noodles, veggies {Don't forget to vote!}

Wednesday:  Shepherd's Pie, fruit/veggies

Thursday:  Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Rice and Veggies (moved from the last menu...hmmm...musta used the tortillas for something else! I didn't have them when I needed them. oops)

Friday:  Katelyn's Fund Auction and Supper, come one, come all!  It's sure to be a great night.

If you have any great menu ideas, please pass them along!  Or...*smile* if you'd like to be a guest blogger menu planner (and you know, therefore plan my menu as well...hahahaha...leave a comment and let me know!).

Menus

I seriously haven't done this in a while, and I SERIOUSLY can tell.  We're not eating as well, or eating out (costly), and dinnertime fixing is more stressful for me.  So...even though I can't stand putting a menu plan together, it's totally worth it and here I go for this week or so!

Confession.  I have a hard time cooking when Brandy's not home.  Silly, I know.  I have SEVEN kids.  That means I'm still feeding 8 people.  So what does it matter if the hubs isn't around?  He'll probably not be home for supper all week due to harvest {praise the Lord, the weather has been great for that!} so this will help me to be motivated to cook anyway.  I'm also including Lunch for Thursday and Friday.  The kids don't have school those days this week, and we'll also be having a couple friends over for the day.

Monday:  Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry and Rice with Veggies

Tuesday:  Crock-Pot Brunch Casserole {new recipe! haven't tried it yet.  Brandy's not fond of breakfast for supper so when he's in the field is a good time to try it}

Wednesday: Crock Pot Roast, Red Potatoes, Veggies


Thursday Lunch: Grilled Burgers, fruit

Thursday: Sub Sandwiches

Friday Lunch: Creamed chicken Sandwiches, fruit

Friday:  Pizza

Saturday: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread

Sunday:  Shepherds Pie and Veggies

Monday:   Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Rice and Veggies

Happy Menu Planning!

Menu Planning

Ok, wasn't going to list this again on the blog, but since I'm putting it together anyway, might as well do it here. Especially since someone told me they would just use my meals.  Ha!  Now I don't necessarily believe that, but if it can help you out, might as well type it out, right?

Here's a tip.  Remember that I mentioned putting it on your fridge for all to see?  Maybe even using this  Weekly Menu Planner?  Well, the kids loved it.  Loved knowing what we were having, and also if there was an event that affected supper.  However {and here's the tip}, if you make changes, change the one on the fridge!  A couple of meals last week were pushed back because a friend and I exchanged meals (lovely!).  Also, our date night changed.  There were moans and groans and questions.  So save yourself that hassle by changing the fridge copy, if you have one!

And just for fun, here is one of the recipes.  It's from our church cookbook, although I've tweaked it a bit. Kudos to Emily M. for the recipe!  It makes two dishes.  And it freezes well.  Enjoy!

Haystack Supper

Yield: 10-12 servings

40 crushed saltines

2. c cooked rice-

(I use brown or brown and white together)

3 lb. ground beef

onion to taste

2-3 c. tomato juice

3/4 c water

3 T. taco seasoning mix

salt and pepper, to taste

shredded lettuce-

(I use baby spinach-the kids will eat it this way!)

tomato, diced (to taste)

1/4 c butter

1/4 c flour

2 c milk

1.5 lb processed American cheese, cubed

2 c. sharp cheddar cheese

olives (optional)

tortilla chips

Divide crackers between 2 ungreased 9x13 baking dishes.  Top with rice.  Cook beef and onion until meat is not longer pink; drain. Add tomato juice, water and seasonings; simmer for 15-20 minutes; spoon over rice.  Sprinkle with lettuce.  In a saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth.  Gradually add milk.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat; stir in American cheese until melted.  Pour over lettuce (spinach).  Top with cheddar cheese.  Serve over chips with tomatoes and olives.  Refrigerate any leftovers.

And here's the menu plan for the next week or so:

Thursday{August 26}: Haystack Supper, Cantaloupe

Friday: Homemade pizzas for Shianne's slumber party (and a TON of snacks)


Saturday: Eat out for a friend's party


Sunday {August 29}: SHIANNE's Birthday! Her choice

Monday:  Shepherd's Pie, Cantaloupe {pushed back}

Tuesday: Spicy Chicken Stir Fry and Rice {pushed back}

Wednesday:  Preschool Open House, easy pizza

Thursday:  Crock Pot Stroganoff, Veggies

Friday:  Grilled Burgers and Pineapple, French Fries

Saturday: Date Night; kids-mac n cheese

Mom Shorts IV

Menu Planning

Now there's something that I have a love/hate relationship with.  Yes...I know I know, you probably have a similar relationship or experience with it.  But let me explain mine.

I LOVE having it done.  Love knowing what to make.  Makes meal-times so much easier.  I'm flexible.  Should something come up...a meal gets moved.  Should we decide to be spontaneous...a meal gets moved.  No big deal.  It saves the Oh-my-word-what-are-we-gonna-eat-I-guess-frozen-pizza-or-take-out scenario.  Much cheaper than take out.  Much less guilt inducing than hot dogs or frozen pizza {again}.

I HATE really dislike coming up with the meal plan and getting groceries.  The latter is silly, cuz with or with-out a plan, I still have to get groceries.  And, the more often I meal plan, the more meals I have in my arsenal to use.

So, see...I guess it's like exercising.  So hard to gear up to do it.  Might not even like it while I'm doing it.  But the results out-weigh the pain in the rear excuses.

There are a many good websites out there that can help you in this endeavor of being more organized and saving money.  I would love to be one of those gals, like the sites below, that weekly posts her menu lists.  Alas, since this is only my 4th Mom Short is probably as many or more months, it's a good guess that that won't happen.  So be sure to use the wonderful ones already out there!  A couple of my favorites:

Eat at Home

The Frugal Girl

Go HERE for a nice menu planner to put on your fridge or to aid in organizing.  She's got some other cool free stuff as well.

But here's one for this week!  And, as frustrating as it was to put together, after looking at my calendar (which is essential in menu planning), I had more meals planned than days, so it turned into almost 2 weeks.  Which will be wonderful because Brandy will be gone almost all next week, so I'll have dinner taken care of.


Weekly Menu Plan

Tuesday {August 10}:  Chinese Restaurant in celebration of Jaden's Gotcha Day

Wednesday:  Spicy Stir-Fry Chicken with Rice

Thursday:  BLTs and Local Sweet Corn (a family favorite!)

Friday:  Dad and kids camp-out: Hot Dogs, Chips, Grapes, Smore's

Saturday:  Katelyn's Fund Picnic, take a hot and cold dish: Finger Jello and Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Sunday{August 15}:  Brunch at church then boating = Drive-Thru

Monday:  Appointment, Sitter at home: Frozen Pizzas

Tuesday: Spaghetti and Pull-Apart Garlic Bread 

Wednesday:  Shepherds Pie, Cantaloupe

Thursday: Marinated Grilled Chicken, Frozen Veggies

Friday:  Brandy and Carey, Date Night! Sitter at home: Mac n Cheese

Hope this encourages you to make your own meal plans!  Let me know how it turns out.