On Friday I thought I had hardly begun my Christmas shopping. Then I jotted down a list of who I needed to shop for and what I’d already purchased. I still have a few things to pick up for the small people and for Rockford, but other than that I’m nearly done! (What does this have to do with menu planning? Very little. I just wanted to share.)

Monday: Eggs & veggie sausages

The neighbors brought duck eggs over again last week, and naturally the kids decided they didn’t like them. So it’s back to chicken eggs for breakfast-for-dinner night, and now I have to figure out something to do with the duck eggs.

Tuesday: McAlister’s

Our McAlister’s has kids night on Tuesdays, which means 2 free kids meals when you buy a meal for a grownup. Pete likes their ham and cheese sandwich, and Poppy always gets the macaroni and cheese. I like the Sicilian cheese panini and the chef’s salad. The downside to this plan is that McAlister’s is at the mall, and I try to avoid that place in December. I’ll probably call in the order, pick it up and flee back to the safety of home.

Wednesday: Baked chicken

I picked up a new citrus marinade last week, so this week’s chicken might be a departure from the Italian dressing route.

Thursday: Broccoli-cheese rotini

I had a coupon for BirdsEye Steam Fresh vegetables a few weeks ago, and they were also on sale. So I tried some of their pasta side dishes, and they were really good! One bag definitely isn’t enough for a main dish for a whole family, but this with leftover chicken from Wednesday will be sufficient for the kids and me. (Although with the broccoli in there, Poppy will probably just have chicken with a side of whining about the broccoli.)

Friday: Pizza

We’ll be having plain cheese for the kids and BBQ chicken and caramelized onion for the grownups.