Menu Plan Monday: Back to Normal (Sort of)

Before I share this week's menu plan, I have a little confession to make. I broke an unwritten rule of most busy moms. An unwritten rule of this busy mom. I never got around to making a menu plan last week. I know, I know, you're shocked, right? You're appalled, aren't you? You're flabbergasted, I can tell. I guess this would fall into the "do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do" category. Life is easier when you plan your meals ahead of time. Especially on busy weeks. But, in my defense, my master plan of meal ideas and freezer foods (HERE) helped tremendously. When I needed a quick dinner, I was able to grab from what I already knew I had. And we survived. But I'm not looking to try it again anytime soon!

So, after an impossibly crazy week last week, I think things should be getting back to normal (-ish). Almost. Now that we've moved my parents to town, I'm sure I'll be spending plenty of time helping them unpack and get settled in. But the fifteen minute trek to their new apartment won't disrupt our schedule quite like the hour-and-fifteen minute trip to their old house. And, while I'll still want to keep our menu fairly simple around here, I think we'll enjoy more than just a quick sandwich or to-go food for every meal.

Here's this week's plan:

Breakfasts around our house tend to be a fend-for-yourself affair. I try to keep a wide enough selection of items on hand that the kids can either fix for themselves, or can fix with minimal help. Also, since my husband works a job with odd hours, every meal is not a "family meal". When Dad is at work, I try to keep things simple to save time and my sanity (well, whatever sanity I have left by dinner time.). I have marked our "family meals" with an asterisk (*).

BREAKFASTS
Muffins
Leftover pancakes
Homemade granola
Cereal
Oatmeal
Eggs
Bread
Yogurt
Fruit

MONDAY
Lunch: *Ham sandwiches, veggies and dip
Dinner: *Pizza or grilling out

TUESDAY
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Lentil soup, homemade bread

WEDNESDAY
Lunch: Pressed sandwiches, veggies and dip
Dinner: *Beans and rice, salad

THURSDAY
Lunch: Leftover lentil soup, grilled cheese, cole slaw
Dinner: Chicken stir-fry

FRIDAY
Lunch: Leftover beans and rice, cole slaw
Dinner: Sandwiches or leftovers, veggies and dip

SATURDAY
Lunch: *Italian sausage, sauteed peppers and onions, cooked cabbage
Dinner: Pancakes, homemade syrup, boiled eggs, fruit

SUNDAY
Lunch: *Eat out
Dinner: *Pineapple-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, corn, salad

Be sure to check out more menu ideas over at Menu Plan Monday.