Let's Organize! & A Little R & R Menu Plan Fridays

If you've been around here very long you know how much I love to organize.  (in fact, I'm sure a few "organizing posts actually started with this same sentence)
But, when you have two littles aged 3 years and 18-months, you find that there are seasons when you just have fly by the seat of your pants - because...well, littles don't get the idea that certain things should be done at certain times.  
Then there are those seasons when everyone is shut up indoors because of rain or snow or heat...
...and the other seasons when everyone finally escapes out into fresh air and most of the day is spent soaking up much-needed vitamin D...playing, gardening, and taking long walks.
We have gone through each of those seasons - and my schedule has gone out the window - along with menu plans, goal setting....the works.  We have been flying by the seat of our pants for months now.  Life has happened in a very loose routine. 
But I think we are ready to get back into a more rigid lifestyle.  
So here is what I have - it's what worked for us before and I love it!


This is a Daily/Weekly chart I have in a page protector.  The daily section is wiped off with rubbing alcohol each day, so I can enjoy the pleasure of crossing off each task (don't you love doing that???).

Then I have the weekly section that keeps my chores on track.
The "special jobs" section is great to write down reminders like, "switch out winter clothes" or "cobwebs"...and other tasks that you don't do each week, but notice needs doing fairly soon.
Then there is the "office" section, where I can write down what needs to be done for my church's admin, my own admin, my blog, etc

Next I have my menu and "preschool" areas where I can write down what my plans are for that week.


This is so helpful in menu planning and shopping.  It helps keep me from purchasing unnecessary items, and use up what we already have.


I keep this on the fridge in a page protector so I can quickly jot down the items we need as we go along.  It is pre-filled with items that I generally purchase each week.

I have found that goal setting enables me to be more intentional about these three areas: spiritual goals, life goals (that don't necessary have to deep - it can be as simple as a trip someplace or becoming more disciplined in a certain area), and health goals. 
I have personally found this be very effective for me.

I have also made up a family schedule and my personal list of exercises.
Each Friday will be filled with organizing tips, recipes and menus.  I hope you enjoy them!

So - now for our menuZ is second shift next week, so I am only cooking for the kids and I until Saturday. So I usually make a meal last two days during second-shift weeks.
Monday: Breakfast - Pancakes  / Lunch - Chicken Pasta Salad (if this turns out, I'll post the recipe)
Tuesday: Breakfast - Muffins / Lunch - Leftovers
Wednesday: Breakfast - Piggies in a Biscuit / Lunch - Meatballs (sauce recipe to come)
Thursday: Breakfast - Breakfast Biscuit Surprise / Lunch - Leftovers
Friday: Breakfast - Sandwiches / Lunch - Sweet and Sour Hot dogs (recipe to come)
Saturday: Breakfast - Crepes / Lunch - Taco Salad (recipe to come)
Sunday: Breakfast - Tuna Salad on Toast / Lunch - Baked pork chops with potato slices (recipe to come)

Linking up with some these blogs:
M: Motivation Monday, Gracelaced Mondays, Playdates at the Wellspring, Mom's the Word   T: Titus2 Tuesdays, Women Helping Women, W: Women Living Well, Wisdom Wednesday, Wholehearted Wednesdays, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Deep Roots at Home Th: Thrive at Home, Serving Joyfully F: Faith Filled Friday, Favorite Friday Things, Just For Fun Friday ; TGIF Fridays