I wish I were more Christ-like.  Especially when when all the men are hungry.  

Can you image?  Just five loaves of bread, two fish, one prayer, and all the men are satisfied?  I want to go to that cooking school! 

Unfortunately, it doesn't happen like that here.

My guys help me a ton around the house and will fix meals when I ask for help. But the bottom line is that everyone is happier when I make the plan, do the shopping, and get the meals on the table. My Christ-likeness is going to have to come through serving cheerfully.

A few years ago, I started planning for a month at a time. It works fairly well. As long as I actually sit down and do it. The planning and shopping can be long, but once done, I'm always thankful to have things in order.

I can't say I have a well thought out system yet. I have a Cooking Board on Pinterest. I find it relaxing to quickly save a recipe or cooking idea to come back to later when I'm actually planning the menus.

I keep a notebook in the kitchen dedicated to monthly/weekly menu plans and recipes.  I really enjoy looking through previous years' notebooks. I like remembering when and where I found a recipe, and who joined us for dinner. I tend to print a lot of recipes and tape them in the notebook. I also print this blank monthly template and tape it in my notebook. Very old fashion. I know. 

New idea - I decided this month to create a list of all the meals with links to recipes where appropriate.  The list below is really more for my organization than for anyone else's benefit, but perhaps others might find a new recipe to try!

By the way: Saturday is always pizza night here.  Sometimes homemade.  Sometimes frozen.  Sometimes pre-made from Sam's Club.  Depends on life and budget. And Friday night is always leftover night.  My favorite night of the week! 

Note: I will try to add the recipes marked with the * over then next few weeks.

August 2012 Meals

Taco Ring

Sour Cream and Bacon Crock Pot Chicken

Curried Chicken Salad

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos 

Grilled Chicken Caesar Wraps

Baked Potato Bar

Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil Pasta

Open-Faced Roast Beef Sandwiches 

Tender Oven Baked Pork Chops

Super Stuffed Tortillas (with black beans)

Kelly's Broccoli and Ham Quiche*

Lazy Sunday Casserole

Mrs. Leary's Mac and Cheese*

Smoked Pork Tenderloin* with Tabouleh Salad, and roasted potatoes.

Basil Lime Chicken

Cheese Ravioli

Grilled Salmon and Veggies

Sunday Beef Roast* with Potatoes and Carrots

Peggy's Beef Sandwiches

New dessert: Frozen Hot Chocolate