Back in the Saddle

For the longest time, when I was working and for a bit after the twins were born, I would spend time digging through cook books, finding recipes and planning our dinner menu. I would generally do a two week period of time and then shop accordingly. I would make sure I had everything I needed for the menu and save a list for the second week of the perishables that wouldn't last long enough to buy ahead.

I don't know exactly when I got away from it but I have decided to start doing it again. Dinner was so much easier! I would post a calendar that had the dinners written on it as well as the pages/titles of the cookbooks I would be using. I would plan crock pot dinners if I was working, or make something in the morning if it would be a busy afternoon. It was actually easier when the twins were little because I knew what we were having and I could get most of the prep work done early, so when the dinner-hour-fuss-out would start, I would just pop a pan in the oven and it was taken care of!

We also always used to have a big family dinner on Sunday evenings. I would make something yummy and even though we generally eat dinner as a family almost every night of the week, there was something about the Sunday dinner that was just a bit more ceremonial and special. Sundays lately have been chaos: I take the kids to church and then generally out to lunch or to run errands, Tom stays home to study and sleep. By the time we get home, it is late afternoon, the kids want to play outside and I try to take Elbert to the dog park or just get a little bit of sanity time for myself before the weekend is over. Before I know it, 5pm is rolling around, nothing is thawed and there is no plan. This Sunday was my turning point. I made my choice to get back into the menu planning and Sunday dinners as I literally made PB&J, cut up carrots, sliced apples and grapes for dinner!

Yesterday was shopping day. I went to the Fruit Basket to get a bunch of fruits and veggies, as I do almost weekly anyway. Then on to the grocery store with my list in hand. I now have everything I need for dinners for the week! Last night we had a chili chicken casserole. Tonight it is Hobo burgers. Wednesday quiche, Thursday barbecue meatballs, Friday I am going to attempt to make pizza crust so the kids can make their own pizza's for our Friday pizza picnic. I have never had luck using yeast before so wish me luck!