Our Weekly Plan

A huge part of me trying to get us on a budget and 

organized before we welcome our newest bundle of joy is

Organization.

So I made us a family binder.

Yep your thinking right. Just like the one's you use to have in high school.

Tabs and all. I am sure as I get more organized and use to it I will add to it.

Right now it consist of our 

Calendar. Income. Budget. Meal Plans & Weeks Recipes. 

Cleaning Lists and Grocery List.

Oh and don't get me wrong I am not the crazy momma who thinks this will

fix everything but at least maybe it will help us get on the right track.

Here is our Meal Plan for the Week:

Breakfast is always what sounds good in the morning:
Eggs and bacon. Cereal. Oatmeal. 
Pancakes. (that I pre-make and freeze then just reheat) Waffles.
Muffins. Biscuits & Sausage. Smoothies.
We also always include fruit and yummy juice and Milk.

Lunch Is kind of the same concept. 

Daddy is working so it's just me and the little guy.

We love making homemade mini pizza's with some veggies and meats.

Salads. Chicken. Salmon Patties. Sandwiches. PB&J.

Leftovers. More Fruit. =) Broccoli & Cheese. Pre- Made Casseroles reheated.

Here is our Dinner Plans:

Monday: Red Bean & Rice with biscuits.

after a long day at doctor I knew we would need something easy and fast.

Tuesday: Loaded Potato & Chicken Casserole 

Wednesday: Has been nominated as Leftover Day! ;)

Thursday: Lasagna & Corn with Garlic Toast

Friday: BBQ Pork Chops, Macaroni & Cheese and Collard Greens.

(Yes I am a Southern Gal!)

Saturday: Grilled Hamburgers & French Fries with a Salad

Sunday: Cajun Chicken Pasta with steamed Broccoli as side

I went this last week and got all the groceries I need for this week and next.

My plan is to make our menu's two weeks out and get all that I need. 

As well as plan meals with store specials and coupons.

Hoping this helps save lots of money. ;)

I have also taken the things that need to be done around the house and 

spread them out for each day of the week. 

This really helps me being almost 30 weeks pregnant and having a toddler.

I don't feel like I have to get it all done in one day and 

it still gets done and keeps me from getting too behind!

The great thing about the binder is it is easy for my husband and myself 

to pull out and see what needs to be done. Where we are at and

what the week ahead looks like.

Do you guys have a family planner/ binder? 

What system have you found that works best for you?

I have always been when of those unorganized, organized people. 

So I am trying to get more organized... Here is to wishful thinking!

Before I leave you here is my sweet boy exhausted from our busy Monday=)

Happy Planning,

Ashley 

More Children...When is the right time?...

I am sure that any of you mothers out there have noticed that during your pregnancy, before you even have the baby, everyone starts asking when are you going to have another one.

At this point you are obviously thinking let me get this one here first. Then your little bundle of joy arrives and after many sleepless nights all you can think is, "Dear Lord just help me get through these nights and gets some sleep and I will never do this to myself again!"

Then your tiny little bundle of joy is 6 months old before you know it and you really begin to think how amazing, fun and sweet they are and it wouldn't be so bad to have another one sooner that later.

So my question is When is the right time for more children? I know everyone is different and my husband and I know that we do want more children, but when.

Looking at statics and what doctors tell you, you need time after you carry a baby and it is born for your body to heal. Most doctors will tell you to wait at least 18 months in between to start trying to have another child.

Looking at it from a personal perspective I can only compare it to myself and my sister. We were 6 years apart and I believe that this was to far. I don't remember to many wonderful childhood memories with her. We fought a lot and she got on my nerves always wanting to follow me around and constantly telling on me. It hasn't been until the last 5 years that we have gotten closer and even though I consider her one of my best friends I wish we would have felt that was as younger children too.

I want my son to be close to his brother/sister. I want them to enjoy playing together and to have fond memories growing up together. So what is the perfect age to wait to have another.

The idea of waiting until my son is a year and a half and then starting to try does kind of sound ideal. He would hopefully be potty trained by the time the baby got here. He would be old enough to be excited and understand that he would be becoming an older brother. All of which I think would help him have a stronger bond with his new baby brother or sister.

I know I am probably over thinking this too much, but hey that is what I do. I can only hope that it would work out as easy I have it planned in my head!!! = )

And since I got asked this question before my son was even born and now even more often. I can't help but think about the question more often as my son gets older....

What do you all think? When is the best time to start thinking about and planning for baby number two?!?!

Until Next Time,

<3 Ashley