In an effort to be a whole lot more organized this year, and because everyone is always posting what delicious food they make, here is what I have been serving my family for the past week. I also envision this being a detailed account of how I fail miserably at meal planning when life gets too busy. But hey, it’s real life.

• Sunday: I try to make my Sunday meals a bit fancier and more involved. I certainly picked a doozy when I chose to make a copycat version of Macaroni Grill’s Penne Rustica. I probably should have read the notes where it says to reduce by half four cups of cream. Thank goodness I started this one early! I served it with a Caesar salad and Ree’s Peanut Butter Cake with Chocolate Icing for dessert. This was one meal where no one complained. In fact, they all went back for seconds. Yay for doubling recipes!
• Monday: Connor had marching band practice from 6 to 8 PM. Holly had her sixth grade orientation. Jim had a last-minute business dinner with a colleague. I could have just resorted to leftovers, but I had dinner planned that we could eat in shifts. I kept it simple with kielbasa, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes. Easy to make, easy to reheat, and everyone loves it.
• Tuesday: The first day of school always calls for something simple and something the kids enjoy eating. Jim had another business dinner tonight, so I picked an old favorite of mine – tuna potato chip casserole. It doesn’t sound like much, and it looks even worse. However, there is something about the blend of tuna, crushed potato chips and a creamy mushroom base that is a big plate of comforting awesomeness.
• Wednesday: After three full days of cooking, I was not prepared for the amount of leftovers taking over my fridge and monopolizing all of the storage containers. My initial plan was to eat up all the leftovers on Friday and over the weekend. Looking in the fridge Tuesday night, I realized that just was not going to fly. To make matters worse, Jim had another work function tonight. So, leftovers all around!
• Thursday: This is the first time this week where we will all be home for dinner. I was going to make something a little more special involving pasta but then realized Connor has a cross-country spaghetti dinner tomorrow night. Actually, Connor begged me that we all eat the rest of the leftovers. Goodness knows we still have enough for the four of us. Another night where doubling a recipe comes in handy!
• Friday: Fridays are a definite no-cook scenario in my house. I had Friday off, and Jim left work early. To celebrate, we went for a late, late lunch at Red Robin. Connor had his cross-country spaghetti dinner, a tradition the night before a meet, and there were just enough leftovers for Holly. I love when things work out like that.
• Saturday: I try not to cook on Saturdays. Besides today’s Cheese Pizza Day. If I have my way, that is exactly what we will be eating tonight.