Monday
Here is our last week of focusing on Meal Planning and Budgeting. We have made a budget, but as we continue to work out our employment situation, we are avoiding spending any extra. That will have to continue develop as we go along.
Meal planning is going much better. Everyone is on the same page with eating simple meals at home. The kids and Shaun have even gotten involved with the cooking and clean up which helps.
We have eaten out, but it wasn’t because of laziness. As things came up, we had to adjust, but we were able to use reward points or promotions like “kids eat free” to keep dining costs down.
I’m really please what eating in has done for our family. I feel closer to them and like I’m caring for them on a meaningful level. Cooking may not mean that for everyone, but it does for me.
It has also helped our energy level. I don’t feel wiped out after dinner. All the heavy food from fast food restaurants was killing me. We have been doing more as a family and I love it.
Speaking of which that is next up on the list- quality family time. My mind is starting to think of ways to include more family time into our day. Of course, eating dinner at the table has been a great start.
Tuesday
I’m beginning to think a routine is almost impossible. Life is full of distractions. Part of me wants to tell everyone to leave me alone during certain hours, but when those people are your husband and kids, it gets complicated.
Here’s what happened. We’ve been waiting to get a new mattress from IKEA since we moved, but they have been out of stock and they only get a few at a time. Well, they got a shipment today so we got there as soon as we could. Of course, by the time we got everything bought and unpacked, it was 2pm.
So I started work late to day, but managed to get it done and put dinner on the table. Yes, I had to work after dinner, but the hubby did help me.
I’m going to work on planning out my week better on Mondays so I have a clearer idea of what needs to be done and I can see how to move things around if I need to. It will also give me the chance to schedule in that family time for my next milestone.
Back to dinner- tonight was a sheet pan meal. I love those things! Chorizo sausage links and rough chopped onions, peppers, and potatoes. 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven and dinner was served. Definitely going to be looking for more of those in the future!
Today was a good reminder to simplify and keep going when life gets a little crazy. Work is done and I have a comfy new mattress to rest on tonight. Life is good.
Wednesday
Things felt more settled today. I got out the door on time. Cleaned up the house, made dinner, and finished work in a timely fashion. The kids even made some new friends with the neighbors.
We’re still praying and waiting for Shaun’s job situation. He had one interview and another coming up. Everything is just moving very slowly. At times like this, you want everything to hurry up and work out, but the truth is often good things come to those who wait.
I’m guilty of trying to rush things along when it’s just not the right timing. Even if he gets a job tomorrow, life will not be sure and guaranteed. Life will always have a question mark in it somewhere.
So I’m trying to see the good in the situation. He is able to stay home with the kids when I go out for supplies which they love. He often helps me around the house carrying boxes. And we get to live on our own schedule for a little bit. The slower pace has been a blessing.
Is there something you want so bad you’re just trying to will it to happen? What good is coming from the waiting? What are you learning from it?
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