I don't know how things operate in other people's homes in the evening, but for ME, if I can plan throughout the day what we are going to have for the evening meal and start preparing for it in the day, the entire evening will run smoother. Especially having a relatively new, demanding, beautiful princess baby that awakes during meal times to join in with the family meal. Or rather demands me during these times (What is WITH that?!).
It might mean taking meat out of the freezer to thaw in the morning, choosing what will be having during the day, cutting veges and placing in a pot soon after lunch or checking to see we have all the ingredients necessary.
Being a mother to four, full-time at home means that I am often left time-poor. Especially when you add in the element of homeschooling. I am finding and developing new methods to counteract this. I really need and do manage my time effectively.
1. While children are 'home schooling' at the dining table, in between needing help and guidance with work and activities I am able to think about the meal for the evening, check ingredients, take things out of the freezer and even prep for meals.
2. As part of 'home schooling' (meaning learning) we do cooking/baking. Great opportunity as a family to get dinner happening and the children feel proud of their own achievements.
3. Cook double and freeze half for another meal for another day :)
4. Have a COOKING day, where you cook 30 meals and freeze!! Make sure you label them!
5. I don't meal plan, I plan a meal on the day it is going to be done. Works better for me. Write the meal for the evening on the fridge with a whiteboard marker, it rubs off!
6. Have a good supply of stock food & freezer food
Why do I consider this important enough to consider it being 'a wife to rush home to'? Because for ME when I don't plan/have an idea what we are doing for dinner, I have the opportunity to run into chaos. And Chaos with 3 hungry children and a hungry Papa means for a very unpeaceful environment. Even *I* don't want to be here.
5 Things I am Thankful for:
1. Serenity
2. White board markers
3. Plans
4. Excess food stores
5. A dining table!!
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