This week was a big shift for me.  I’ve been a stay at home mom for 22 years, and have homeschooled for 14 of those years.  After having one or more of my children with me at home everyday for years, my youngest two went to a “brick and mortar” school this week for the first time.  It sure is quiet at home now, but I’m keeping busy, and enjoying a bit of time to myself.  The kids are doing well at school, and enjoying making friends, and the time apart makes us enjoy the time we have after-school, talking about their day and having a snack, even sweeter., Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

I’ve been preparing their school lunches in the evenings, so our mornings are less hectic.  They’ve been taking meat/cheese sandwiches, carrot sticks, bananas, and then a treat of cookies and/or pretzels, and a stainless steel mug of water. My hubby has started using a stainless steel water bottle for work, and felt stainless steel bottles would also be better for our kids.  If you’re interested in them, Amazon has many different varieties.

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

Have you seen the new paper napkins that have questions on them to help get dinner conversation going with your family?   They’re kinda fun!  What’s also fun, is delicious food that’s easy to prepare, and these ladies and I have some dinner recipes for you that are just that!

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad from Jonesin’ for Taste

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

Make Ahead Breakfast Calzones from New South Charm

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

Lower Fat Pepperoni Pizza Crescent Rollups from Joyful Homemaking

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

Portillo’s Inspired Chopped Salad for a Crowd from Cooking with Carlee

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

One Pot Creamy Chicken Mushroom Florentine from Recipe Treasures

For dessert, breakfast or just a snack, how about a sweet bread?

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful Homemaking

Crumbly Cream Cheese Pumpkin from Tastefully Eclectic

These are a couple of free printables that are great for menu planning, and you are free to use them:

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful HomemakingGrocery List Printable

, Menu Plan Ideas for Your Week, Joyful HomemakingWeekly Meal Planner

Please keep in your prayers the people in Texas and other areas, who are going through the massive flooding!

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