Thursday, March 5, 2009

Home Management - The Menu Plan

One of the things that has made it easier for me to feed 11-12 people, 3 meals a day, 7 days a week is working out a menu plan for breakfasts, lunches, and snacks (and bulk, freezer cooking for dinners, but that is a different post.) There is freedom in not having to make food related decisions in the midst of teaching school or cleaning house, in not needing to make up a new grocery list every couple of weeks, and in not feeling guilty because the children are eating the same thing day after day.

This post has moved to our new blog. Visit Home Management - The Menu Plan or our new homepage and search menu plan.

5 comments:

Anita said...

Love your plans... I too have a large family (only 7 children, though, 6 at home now) and plan out our menu by the week. I bulk purchase and bulk cook. I love having only to pull out our main dish and occasionally a side or two from the freezer in the mornings. Makes everything so much easier. I am working on freezer foods for lunches. Have been slack in that area and we usually just eat leftovers. Breakfasts we have down pretty well and keep a good bit on hand in the freezer for that as well.

Snacks are another area. I LOVE sweets and have a daughter who loves to bake them, so we have cookies, cake or pie at least once a week. At least they are homemade, right?

Your family is beautiful! Curious as to the music aspect in your home. We have some pianists/violinists...dh plays trumpet in the local symphony and both of us have master's degrees in music. My emphasis now is on lullabies and basic concept songs instead of clarinet.

Kimberly @ Raising Olives said...

Hi Anita,

I certainly think that 7 children classifies as a large family, no need to say "only".

You sound like you probably do a better job with feeding a crowd than I. I am learning, but it is one of my weaknesses.

Music. Well, we love music, but I wouldn't say that we are particularly talented. We definitely don't have the background that your family has. My husband and I enjoy good music. Mark can "play" the saxaphone and I had piano lessons as a child.

We do love to sing together as a family and do so during family worship each evening. We also want music to be part of our children's education and have 2 violinists and 3 pianists, thus far. The children enjoy playing duets and trios together.

Thanks for reading. If you have any suggestions for the blog please feel free to email

Blessings,
Kimberly

Jama said...

My dear friend, thanks for using your gift for teaching in such a public space. I pray many will be blessed by your wisdom. I have learned so much from you over the years and look forward to being able to continue doing so even though we are now separated by many miles. The lesson I am taking away from today's reading of your last several posts is to stop being such a "drill sargent mommy" and to just love,laugh and enjoy my children more.

Much love my friend,
Jama

Kimberly @ Raising Olives said...

Jama,

You and your help are the reason that I could write this post. I remember sitting in your living room and looking through your card files and menu plans and thinking that there is no way that I could be that organized. Thank you!

We miss you and your family so very much!!!

Blessings,
Kimberly

Anonymous said...

That is way too confusing for me. I had no idea eating was that complicated.